Sinopharm vaccine may provide only low protection to elderly: A new study has suggested that the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine has a low efficacy rate at preventing covid-19 infection among the elderly. Blood samples taken from 450 people in Hungary have shown that almost 50% of people aged over 80 hadn’t developed protective antibodies at least two weeks after receiving their second Sinopharm dose.

But the vaccine is effective at protecting younger ages: 90% of those under 50 developed a strong shield against the illness, the study claimed

The study is yet to be reviewed by other scientists. China’s National Health Commission refused to comment on studies other than those conducted by governments or major research institutions, according to the Associated Press.

Sinopharm is one of Egypt’s vaccines of choice: Egypt has imported 2.9 mn doses of the vaccine, accounting for almost half of the total 6.2 mn shots received so far.

The Health Ministry reported 39 new covid-19 infections yesterday, up from 38 the day before. Egypt has now disclosed a total of 284,024 confirmed cases of covid-19. The ministry also reported six new deaths, bringing the country’s total death toll to 16,487.