KUALA LUMPUR – Vaccines from three companies – Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Sinovac – that have been approved by Putrajaya can be channelled to states only after they are delivered to the federal government first.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, in a statement today, said this is based on the agreement between the three manufacturers and the government.
Khairy, who is coordinating minister for the national vaccination programme, said he welcomes all efforts from states and the private sector to buy vaccines and inoculate the public.
“States are allowed to purchase vaccine supplies on their own, with the condition that the vaccines obtain approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
“However, the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force has noted that the vaccines purchased, for instance by Selangor, are from the same pharmaceutical companies dealt with under the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.”
He said Putrajaya is granted priority on vaccine supplies before they are channelled by the pharmaceutical companies to other parties, including state governments, industry players and private hospitals, that have bought jabs.
The only exception is if states or private establishments order from suppliers not involved in the national immunisation programme. This mean that the companies have not been approved by NPRA at this time.
Khairy took note that other nations such as Singapore have decided to extend the period of time between the first and second vaccine doses.
“As stated before, the time frame between the two Covid-19 doses (as practised) in Malaysia has been determined by information and data given by the vaccine producers to NPRA.
“The vaccine suppliers must also submit new information and updates from their latest data regarding their vaccines.
“Right now, a group of experts under the Covid-19 vaccine candidate selection committee led by Dr Kalaiarasu Peariasamy is studying the suitability of this mechanism based on the findings in other countries, as well as obtaining responses from vaccine suppliers.
“Any new decisions will be updated (to the public).”
He stressed that people must check their Covid-19 risk status on the MySejahtera app.
Individuals confirmed positive, or are suspected cases, close contacts, and persons under surveillance are not allowed in vaccination centres.
The minister also advised those with vaccination appointments against showing up too early, so as to prevent congestion at the centres.
Those who are unable to get the jab now will be given a fresh appointment, he said. – The Vibes, May 18, 2021
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