NPRA yet to approve CanSino vaccine - KJ

 

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.

Coordinating Minister for National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme Khairy Jamaluddin said the NPRA was in the midst of studying the vaccine from China before it could be approved.

“Until we get the approval from NPRA, we cannot bring in the vaccine.

“(Previously) the Sarawak government had asked for the vaccine, I told Sarawak that we will only be able to give them the CanSino vaccine when we get the approval,” he told reporters after visiting a vaccine dispensing centre at the Sultan Abdul Halim Stadium, Alor Setar, Kedah today.

He was commenting on the status of the CanSino vaccine which was previously requested by the Sarawak government for the use of the people in the state.

Khairy said CanSino is a single-shot Covid-19 vaccine that is very suitable for those living in rural areas.

Meanwhile, the science, technology and innovation minister said overall, the number of vaccination registration was increasing and so far, the number of those aged 18 and above who have registered has reached almost 40 percent.

He believed that through intensified efforts, the number could reach up to 50 percent in the next one to two months.  

“Our target is to reach more than 80 percent, many still need to register. But, I think many are taking a wait and see approach,” he said.

- Bernama