Kazakhstan joins select list of countries to produce Covid vaccine

Central Asia’s biggest state Kazakhstan has joined the list of countries that have produced and made available their own COVID-19 vaccine.

The first batch of QazVac vaccine is being used across the country.

“Vaccine production will be increased to make it available to all citizens. Kazakhstan has become one of the few states that have created their own vaccine. I thank the scientists and all the specialists who participated in its development,” the Kazakhstan president said.


The arrival of QazVac is an indication of the Central Asian country’s scientific and industrial potential. The QazVac (QazCovid-in) vaccine is a product of the Research Institute for Biological Safety.

The first 50,000 doses of QazVac vaccine will be distributed among pharmacy hubs and delivered to all regions of the country.

The next batch – another 50,000 doses – will be produced in May. Reportedly, the plans are to step up production of the vaccine to reach 500-600,000 doses per month in the future.

Director General of the Research Institute for Biological Safety Problems Kunsulu Zakarya had said Kazakhstan’s vaccine had 100% efficacy in the first stage of clinical trials and 96% efficacy in the second stage of clinical trials.

It can be stored at temperatures of between 2 and 8°C, making it easier to transport and store for up to one year in a freezer.

Kazakhstan has a relatively low number of COVID-19 cases, due to stringent measures.