ALOR STAR – The CanSino Covid-19 vaccine has yet to be approved by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), to be brought in and used in the country.
National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme Coordinating Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said NPRA has to finish studying the Chinese vaccine before it can be approved.
“Until we get the approval from NPRA, we cannot bring in the vaccine.
“(Previously) the Sarawak government had asked for the vaccine, and I told Sarawak we will only be able to give it the CanSino vaccine when we get the approval,” he told reporters after visiting a vaccine dispensing centre at Sultan Abdul Halim Stadium here today.
He was commenting on the status of the CanSino vaccine, which was previously requested by the Sarawak government for the use of its people.
Khairy said CanSino is a single-shot Covid-19 vaccine that is highly suitable for those living in rural areas.
The science, technology and innovation minister said the number of vaccination registrations is increasing overall and so far, the number of registrants aged 18 and above has almost reached 40%.
He believed that through intensified efforts, the number could reach up to 50% in the next one or two months.
“Our target is to reach more than 80%, so many still need to register. But, I think many are taking a wait-and-see approach,” he said. – Bernama, April 26, 2021
