The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently announced Pfizer and BioNTech SE are planning to donate doses of their respective COVID-19 vaccines to participants in the upcoming Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
IOC President Thomas Bach was delighted with the partnership, “We would like to thank Pfizer and BioNTech for the donation as we approach the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022. This is another measure in our plan to stage safe Games for the athletes and all the participants,” said Bach.
The IOC and the International Paralympic Committee will continue their work with all Olympic and Paralympic national committees to assist all athletes, officials and other stakeholders to get vaccinated before traveling to China.
All Beijing 2022 participants will be required to be fully vaccinated according to the requirements of the home country at least 14 days before departing for China, in order to be allowed into the closed loop system without the need to quarantine. If someone is not fully vaccinated, they will need to quarantine for 21 days upon arrival in Beijing. Possible exceptions for medical reasons could be granted.
The vaccines being donated by Pfizer and BioNTech are not being taken from existing vaccination programs. They are in addition to those already in existence.