COVID-19: Saudis deny claims on defective Pfizer vaccine

Cairo: Saudi authorities have denied allegations that an investigation is under way into a purportedly defective Pfizer shipment to the kingdom.

“The circulating news in this regard is incorrect,” the Saudi state watchdog, the Control and Anti-Corruption Authority, said.

The watchdog called for observing accuracy and avoiding being misled by rumours. “Anyone contributing to spreading these rumours risks accountability,” it added.

False news

Saudi authorities have imposed SR1 million on spreading rumours or false news about COVID-19.

The Interior Ministry has said that a fine of up to SR1 million or jail terms ranging from one year to maximum five or both penalties will be meted out for anyone convicted of rumour mongering or spreading false information about the pandemic. Repeat offenders could face double penalties.

Saudi Arabia initiated mass vaccinations against COVID-10 on December 17. Some 13.8 million doses have since been administered across the kingdom, according to the latest figures from the Health Ministry.