[UPDATED] MoH grants conditional approval for Sinopharm booster shots

KUALA LUMPUR – Conditional approval has been granted by the Health Ministry for the use of Covilo Covid-19 vaccines, otherwise known as the Sinopharm vaccine, as a booster dose in adults.

Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said in a statement that the approval was granted following the 371st Drug Control Authority (DCA) meeting held earlier today.

“Covilo Suspension for Injection Covid-19 Vaccine (Vero Cell), Inactivated, produced by the Beijing Institute of Biological Products Co Ltd, China, can be administered as a booster dose to those aged 18 to 59 years at least three to six months after receiving their second doses,” he said in the statement.

Prior to today’s approval, the Sinopharm vaccine was also granted conditional approval for use as the first and second Covid-19 vaccine doses also for adults aged between 18 and 59.

The DG also said monitoring of vaccine-related clinical data, general safety, and efficacy will continue to be conducted by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Authority.

“It is to make sure the comparison of benefits over risk for the vaccine remains positive,” he said.

The DCA meeting today also approved the use of the Molnupiravir Lagevrio and Baricitinib oral tablets set to be used in the treatment of hospitalised Covid-19 patients.

Dr Noor Hisham said Molnupiravir tablets will be prescribed to adult Covid-19 patients with light to mild symptoms, specifically to those with an underlying risk of developing serious symptoms.

As for the Baricitinib tablets, the DG said approval was granted for it to be given to Covid-19 patients aged 10 and older suffering from lack of oxygen.

Also obtaining ministry approval was the Tocilizumab concentrate for injection, meant to be administered to adult hospitalised Covid-19 patients.

The DG said these injections will be administered to patients with a low oxygen count or those suffering from breathing difficulties.

“All three of these products are not meant to be used as a replacement for the Covid-19 vaccine or to replace public health measures, especially when it concerns adhering to standard operating procedures,” he added. – The Vibes, April 7, 2022