Covid-19 immunisation could be done ahead of time: KJ

KUALA LUMPUR – Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin says the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme could be completed before the end of this year, ahead of its projected completion in February 2022.

Khairy, who is the programme’s coordinating minister, said this was based on the efficiency and professionalism of the Health Ministry (MoH), and if the vaccine arrives on schedule.

He added that, during the third phase, mega vaccination centres would be established – including in stadiums and conference centres – which will enable more people to be vaccinated at one time.

“However, it will all depend on whether we are able to secure the vaccine according to schedule.

“We have signed agreements with several companies including Pfizer, but we still rely on the capacity of their manufacturing facilities abroad…if they fulfil their end of the agreement, I believe and am confident we can complete this before the end of this year,” he told RTM’s Bicara Naratif last night.

Khairy said that besides Pfizer, Malaysia has agreements with four other vaccine manufacturers abroad, namely Sinovac from China, AstraZeneca (United Kingdom), Gamaleya (Sputnik V) from Russia and the single dose vaccine CamSinoBIO (China) which has yet to be assessed by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).

“Information and data issued by the vaccine manufacturers must be based on research conducted overseas that proves its safety and efficacy…NPRA will only give approval when it is  satisfied. 

“If NPRA approves all the vaccines for use in Malaysia, then our supply will increase and we would be able to speed up the immunisation process,” he said.

He said the government also suggested procuring the US-made single dose vaccine by Johnson & Johnson, and that single dose vaccines might be used in hard to reach areas.

Regarding the mega vaccination centres, Khairy said it would be established in the third phase (public phase) as it would be the biggest phase in the programme.

“Phase three will also involve the scheduling of the largest amounts of vaccine deliveries.

“If today it involves only hundreds of thousands, in the middle of the year when phase three begins, the schedule of vaccine deliveries will reach up to millions,

“That is why we need a large vaccination centre to complete the vaccinations without having to store the vaccines at vaccine storage centres,” he said. – Bernama, February 24, 2021