A file photo shows vaccinators wear protective masks as they get their temperature checked, during an anti-polio campaign, in a low-income neighborhood as the spread of the coronavirus continues, in Karachi, Pakistan, July 20, 2020. (Reuters)

Coronavirus

Pakistan starts vaccinating people 60 or older against COVID-19

Pakistan

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The Associated Press, Islamabad

Published: 10 March ,2021: 09:56 AM GST Updated: 10 March ,2021: 12:11 PM GST

Pakistan has started vaccinating people who are 60 years old or above to protect them from COVID-19 amid a steady increase in cases and fatalities from the disease.

Pakistan is currently using China’s Sinopharm vaccine, which was donated to it by Beijing last month.

Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.

Pakistan hopes to start receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine this month under the World Health Organization’s COVAX Facility. Authorities say Pakistan will receive 17 million doses of coronavirus vaccines under the scheme from March to June.

Fatalities and confirmed cases from the coronavirus have increased steadily since March 1, when Pakistan resumed regular classes at schools. On Wednesday, Pakistani authorities were expected to decide whether schools should again be closed.

Pakistan has reported 595,239 cases, including 13,324 deaths.

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