KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia is hopeful of obtaining Covid-19 vaccines that can be used by the first quarter of next year.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said there are now 10 leading candidates that have completed Phase 3 clinical trials.
“As we have been informed, the vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech is said to be 90% effective. This is a good and healthy development.
“We are confident that there are many more leading candidates in the world, like Gamaleya Research Institute, whose vaccine has also undergone Phase 3 clinical trials.
“However, we do not yet know the results of the Phase 3 trials for the vaccine from China.
“The procurement of Covid-19 vaccines for the country will depend on careful considerations with regard to their quality, safety, implications and registration,” he told RTM’s Selamat Pagi Malaysia programme today.
He said the chances of recovered patients getting infected again are low compared to people who have never contracted the virus.
On the increase in cases in some states, the Federal Territories and the Klang Valley, Dr Adham said they are linked to workplace and construction site clusters.
“The rise in cases in Kuala Lumpur shows that we need to tighten actions, compliance, enforcement and monitoring. We have to continue with preventive and control measures, adhere to the SOPs and adapt to the new norms.
“This is everyone’s responsibility. With regard to workplace clusters, it is very important for employers and workers to be responsible. Employers have a vital role to play in ensuring that their staff are always protected.” – Bernama, November 16, 2020
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