SIBU: A total of 663 children in the country have participated in a clinical study on the use of Covid-19 Sinovac vaccine for those aged between three and 11.

       Deputy Health Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said they included 339 in Hospital Sibu, Hospital Miri (169), Sabah Women and Children's Hospital (51) and 104 in Peninsular Malaysia.

       "A total of 169 participants took part in the clinical study conducted by Hospital Miri starting Oct 28, while Hospital Sibu - led by Head of the Centre for Clinical Studies (CRC) Professor Dr Toh Teck Hock - started the study on Nov 4 involving 339 children," he said.

       The Kanowit MP said a total of 2,000 participants were targeted to take part in the study nationwide.

       "Our target for Sarawak is 410 participants for Hospital Sibu and 250 for Hospital Miri," he added.

       He said the clinical study started at the end of October and was conducted in 10 locations, namely Hospital Sibu, Hospital Miri, Sungai Buloh Hospital, Hospital Seberang Jaya, Cheras Baru Health Clinic, Pandamaran Health Clinic, Hospital Universiti Teknologi Mara Puncak Alam, University Malaya Medical Centre, Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital, and Sabah Women and Children's Hospital.

       "This clinical study, sponsored by Sinovac Life Sciences Co Ltd, is to determine if the vaccine is safe and effective in preventing Covid-19 infection for this age group," he said.

       "The results of the clinical study will be known within six months to a year," he said at a press conference after visiting Hospital Sibu on Saturday (Dec 11).

       Meanwhile, Dr Toh said out of the 339 participants at CRC Hospital Sibu, a total of 114 participants had received two doses of the vaccine.

       "We invite parents who are interested to have their children participate in the clinical study so that we can achieve the target as soon as possible.”

       Those who are interested can contact CRC Hospital Sibu at 084-314 596.