Picture used for illustrative purpose, File

Gulf Today Report

Egyptian authorities have approved the use of Sinopharm vaccine, it is set to roll out later this month.

Hala Zayed on Saturday said, "the Egyptian pharmaceutical authority approved the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine."

The first batch of the vaccine was delivered in December, more doses are expected this month.

"The second shipment of this vaccine is due to arrive in the second or third week of January, and as soon as it arrives, we will start vaccinations," the minister said. 

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According to the ministry, health workers would be the first to receive the doses.

Egypt plans to purchases 40 million doses of the vaccine.

Since the outbreak of the virus, Egypt has recorded more than 140,000 cases and 7,800 deaths.