Rich countries snapping up Covid-19 jabs, prioritised by Big Pharma: KJ

KUALA LUMPUR – Rich countries have cornered the Covid-19 vaccine market, resulting in low supplies in Malaysia and other middle-income nations, said Khairy Jamaluddin amid concerns about the immunisation rate here.

The coordinating minister for the country’s inoculation drive, in a statement today, said some wealthy countries have bought enough vaccines for their citizens three to five times over.

“Many pharmaceutical companies give preference to rich countries for obvious reasons. That is also why Malaysia has had to balance our Covid-19 vaccine portfolio to include Pfizer, AstraZeneca, (and) also those from non-Western countries like Sinovac (China).”

This is the projection for Malaysia’s cumulative vaccine deliveries. We project supply in excess of demand June onwards. This will mean faster vaccination rates. Current deliveries still low. Largely due to the stark vaccine inequity of advanced countries condemned by WHO and UN. pic.twitter.com/kpnIP2XH3m

— Khairy Jamaluddin ??? (@Khairykj) April 13, 2021

“If you look at the graph above, you will also see that vaccine supplies (the green line) are still low.” 

He acknowledged the concerns expressed about Covid-19 vaccination in Malaysia. 

“People are wondering why the rate of vaccination seems slow. People who have registered in February are asking when they will get their appointments.

“As announced previously, the vaccination programme will run until the end of the year, and will be implemented in phases. 

“We are now concluding Phase 1, involving medical and non-medical frontliners. Next week, we commence Phase 2, involving people above 60 and those with chronic illnesses.”

He reiterated that based on the delivery schedules provided by vaccine suppliers, a more steady and ample supply can be expected from June.

“This is when I project mass vaccinations (to) be in full swing. For now, demand outstrips supply. Most importantly, the graph shows that we will have enough supplies coming to ensure we hit our 80% population (vaccinated) target before the end of the year. This is according to the current portfolio and plan we announced in February.

“So, while I know everyone is anxious about getting their Covid-19 vaccination, I would also like to manage expectations with the reality of vaccine availability. 

“I will continue to push for more vaccine supplies to arrive quicker. In the meantime, please maintain our SOPs, and in the coming months, you will get a notification on the MySejahtera app or via SMS informing you of your vaccination appointment.”

Yesterday, Khairy said based on the scheduled delivery dates, supply is projected to be more than sufficient to inoculate 80% of Malaysia’s population by October.

Sharing a graph prepared by the Special Committee on Ensuring Access to Covid-19 Vaccine Supply, the science, technology and innovation minister said it is almost certain that the country’s vaccination drive will be done by year-end.

If this does happen, the target will be achieved months ahead of the initial schedule.

The government previously said it expected to have 80% of Malaysians inoculated against the coronavirus by next February.  

The vaccination programme is currently in Phase 1, which is for frontliners.

Phase 2, to be rolled out on April 19, is targeted at high-risk groups, while Phase 3 will cover the rest of the population.

More than 632,688 Malaysians have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, and 417,470 have gotten both doses.

To date, more than 8.6 million individuals have registered for vaccination, or 35.8% of the population aged 18 and above. – The Vibes, April 14, 2021