Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Services Dr Faisal Sultan on Friday said that since coronavirus vaccine was new, people were feeling hesitant to get vaccinated, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

He said out of total 0.4 million frontline health workers, more than 0.1 million had been vaccinated so far. 

He said that now when the second dose of the vaccine was available it was time to accelerate the vaccination drive. 

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Omar had announced on February 2 that Prime Minister Imran Khan would launch vaccination drive against the coronavirus. 

He said the priority will be given to those who are fighting the Covid-19 on the frontline.

Similarly, Asad Umar had announced on February 15 that registration of citizens above 65 years of age for getting Covid-19 vaccine had started.

He said, “Pleased to announce that registration for getting covid vaccine is now open for all citizens 65 and above. Just write down ur CNIC number and send message on 1166. Inshallah vaccinations for this age group will start in March.”

The first consignment of 0.5 million coronavirus vaccine from China had arrived at Islamabad airport on board a special Pakistan Air Force (PAF) plane on February 1.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on National Health Services Faisal Sultan had received the Sinopharm vaccine at the airport. Speaking to the media on the occasion, Dr Sultan said that initially the vaccine would be administered to the frontline health workers.

He praised the role of the NCOC, health workers and the provincial governments in the battle against the pandemic.

Sinopharm vaccine has reportedly 79 percent efficacy rate against the Covid-19.