PUTRAJAYA – Volunteers in Phase 3 clinical trials for Covid-19 vaccines from China do not need to be administered other jabs, including those produced by Pfizer-BioNTech, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.
He said they are considered a “protected group” subjected to a 13-month study.
“Volunteers are advised to still abide by public health measures, such as wearing masks and ensuring good hygiene,” he told a joint press conference with National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme coordinating minister Khairy Jamaluddin here today.
The trial, which involves about 3,000 volunteers aged 18 and above, is a collaboration between Malaysia and China via the Institute of Medical Biology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (IMBCAMS).
IMBCAMS previously conducted Phases 1 and 2 trials in China, as well as nine hospitals in Malaysia, including Sg Buloh and Taiping Hospitals.
Khairy, meanwhile, said the government takes note of pharmaceutical giant Pfizer’s statement that a third vaccine dose may be needed.
Malaysia has yet to receive data on this, he said, but the Health Ministry and Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force will create a long-term plan in relation to the matter.
Pfizer chief executive Albert Bourla reportedly said a third booster dose of the company’s Covid-19 jab may be needed between six and 12 months of the initial vaccination. – Bernama, April 19, 2021
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