Mix-and-match vaccination Plan B if supply disrupted, Khairy says

KUALA LUMPUR – The mix-and-match method using the Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines is a Plan B should there be a supply disruption, said Khairy Jamaluddin.

The National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme coordinating minister said the Vaccine Selection Technical Working Group, chaired by Institute of Clinical Research director Dr Kalaiarasu Peariasamy, two weeks ago presented a paper on heterologous vaccination, where two different vaccine brands are used to boost efficacy against different coronavirus variants.

Khairy, who is also science, technology and innovation minister, said the mix-and-match approach will be considered once it has been proven safe and more effective.

“That presentation concluded that it was, at that point, inconclusive. The data was inconclusive. We will have another meeting on Thursday, where they will have an update and more data from other countries.

“Once the technical working group has proven that the method is safe and effective, then we can consider it,” he told a press conference after visiting the Bukit Jalil National Stadium vaccination centre today.

He said the heterologous method has been adopted in Germany, Spain and South Korea, where studies on it have been conducted.

“Spain and Germany have done it. South Korea has done it as well, where AstraZeneca is paired with Pfizer-BioNTech because they do not have enough AstraZeneca jabs.”

The mix-and-match approach will be used as the government’s back-up plan if the technical working group’s study yields good results, he said.

“We hope that we do not face any delay in AstraZeneca vaccines. If there is no delay, we will be able to proceed to offer second doses.

“I need a Plan B, but so far, we are okay.”

Khairy added that he will provide an update after a meeting with the Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access Guarantee Special Committee on Thursday. – The Vibes, June 21, 2021