[UPDATED] Macau, HK halt use of Pfizer jab

HONG KONG – Hong Kong and Macau today said they are suspending the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine after being informed of a packaging problem with a batch of vials.

“For the sake of precaution, the current vaccination must be suspended during the period of investigation,” said the Hong Kong government in a statement. 

Both Chinese cities said their decision comes after they were contacted about the issue by Fosun, the Chinese pharmaceutical company that is distributing the Pfizer-BioNTech jab in the country.

Vials with the lot number “210102” were found to have defective packaging, said authorities.

The statements from Hong Kong and Macau did not give details on how the packaging was defective, but both said they do not believe there are any safety risks.

Authorities said they decided to act out of an abundance of caution until their probe is concluded.

Some Hong Kong residents took to social media to say their vaccination appointments have been cancelled, and that some inoculation centres are closed.

One centre visited by an AFP reporter has been taped off. – AFP, March 24, 2021