SHAH ALAM – The Health Ministry is using baricitinib, a new drug combination, to prevent Covid-19 patients from developing severe illness, said Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.
He said the combination is administered at a dosage of between 2mg and 4mg to prevent the risk of pneumonia.
Speaking to the press after the handover of the final batch of the Sinovac vaccine by Pharmaniaga Bhd group managing director Datuk Zulkarnain Md Eusope to the ministry today, Dr Adham urged patients, especially those under home quarantine, to continue conducting self-assessments on MySejahtera.
Present at the handover was Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
On vaccination for adolescents in Malaysia, Dr Adham said the government is awaiting further clinical data from Pfizer, adding that it is focusing on first completing the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme for the adult population.
The ministry is also considering giving vaccines to school support staff, including bus drivers, security guards and food suppliers, so as to protect students from the coronavirus, he said. – Bernama, July 21, 2021
