KUALA LUMPUR – The government has begun talks with vaccine manufacturers on possibly procuring booster shots, and gave its commitment that the public need not pay should a third jab be required.
Science, Technology and Innovative Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said this in his winding-up speech on the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) at the Dewan Rakyat in response to queries on the nation’s preparations for 2022.
Addressing the lower House, Khairy noted media reports worldwide on countries beginning to make reservations for additional doses ahead of next year, particularly in light of arguments on the possibility for a need for booster shots.
“That is why two weeks ago I began negotiations with vaccine companies, especially Pfizer-BioNTech, for Malaysia to finalise procurements for 2022 in the near future.
“We want to give special attention to the manufacturing of new Pfizer vaccines, which are specific for booster shots and for children,” he said today.
However, Khairy said any decision on whether a third shot will be required in the country has yet to be finalised, as the government awaits recommendation from public health experts.
“The recommendation will be made to the government next week whether a booster shot is necessary,” he said, adding that the report will include whether it is safe to mix and match doses from different vaccine brands.
When asked if the booster shots, if required, will be subsidised by the government, Khairy answered in the affirmative.
“Pfizer only sells to governments, and not to the private market. By that definition, the federal government will procure the vaccines. I’m confident we will give the shots (to the people) for free.”
Khairy said an announcement on the booster vaccine policy is expected to be made by Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz in the coming Budget 2022 tabling.
On why the government’s initial procurement process was slow, he said it decided to take a prudent approach in purchasing the vaccine, by first looking at the interim results of the roll-out in other countries.
He added that purchases were only made after the government was satisfied with the results on the safety and efficacy of the vaccines.
“Australia, South Korea, and Japan received their Pfizer supplies about the same time we did, which proves that we are making assessments similar with those of other advanced nations in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Khairy also responded to queries on why certain neighbouring countries were able to obtain their supplies much faster.
In Singapore’s case, the minister said this is due to its government’s investment in BioNTech, the company that co-manufactures the vaccine with Pfizer.
Israel, Khairy said, was able to be among the first to receive the Pfizer supplies as they agreed to pay a premium and to share their country’s critical vaccine data.
“As for Indonesia, it started rolling out Sinovac quite early because the country is conducting clinical trials for the vaccine. Manufacturers will give priority to countries that conduct these trials,” he said. – The Vibes, July 28, 2021
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