Govt mulls exemption cert for those willing but unable to get vaccinated

PETALING JAYA – The government is considering issuing a certificate of exemption to individuals who cannot receive the Covid-19 vaccine due to them having serious allergies or being immunocompromised.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said it is in lieu of the digital certificate to be given to those who have received their second jab, completing the vaccination regimen.

“On the principle of fairness, we are thinking about how we can give a certificate of exemption to those who cannot take the vaccine, and not because they decide not to be vaccinated. I think we have to be fair,” he told a press conference after visiting the University Malaya Medical Centre vaccination centre here today.

Khairy, who is also coordinating minister for the national immunisation programme, said the government is still refining the plan to issue the vaccination certificate via the MySejahtera app.

He said the system will provide information to the World Health Organisation and other countries, so that the certificate is globally recognised as proof of vaccination.

He said the government is also drafting a strategy for the homeless, refugees and undocumented migrants to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, and that he will meet United Nations agencies this week to discuss the best way forward.

“Maybe, I will also have a coordinating meeting with Kuala Lumpur City Hall on the homeless.”

He said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba will on Monday announce a protection scheme offering compensation to individuals who suffer serious side effects from the vaccine.

On the jab produced by China’s Sinovac, Khairy said the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency is conducting stability testing, which can take a month to be completed.

“We want to see if there are flaws in the vaccine when it is bottled here. If approval is given, we can roll out the vaccine by next month.”

Malaysia received the Sinovac vaccine on February 27.

On claims that fake vaccines are being sold online, Khairy urged all parties to report the matter to the Health Ministry. – Bernama, March 9, 2021