Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin revealed that Malaysia has begun negotiating the procurement of vaccines to overcome new Covid-19 variants.
“Negotiations are starting now. We have an existing order with Pfizer and the Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access (Covax) facility that we didn’t use fully.
“That means we bought more than we needed, so we are trying to change the order for doses with the updated formula,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters at a press conference today following a Malaysia Book of Records award ceremony and the launch of a report titled “Record-Breaking Covid-19 Vaccination: Public-Private Partnership” in Putrajaya.
According to Khairy, the government hopes to replace previous orders of older vaccines with newer batches of updated inoculations.
“So far, it looks possible so we might not have to spend more,” he said, adding that the nation has not fully utilised its previous order.
According to the minister, the country has roughly four million vaccines in its stockpile. Some vaccines are expected to expire towards the end of this year.
Khairy also shared that the government is not looking to hold a mass vaccination programme as it has done in the past.
Rather, the next round of vaccinations is expected to target those in high-risk groups.
He said the government will soon reveal the eligibility criteria for the next vaccination campaign.
“Once we have a decision on the procurement, we will inform,” he said.
Khairy also clarified vaccinations will be free of charge.
“Likely because the numbers won’t be so big, for children under five, we will give it through the Health Ministry’s paediatrics department and pass it to private hospitals,” he added.
SOPs on indoor ventilation
The Health Minister also clarified that the government will use existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) on indoor ventilation to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“We already have existing guidelines - which we have prepared many months ago for the kind of ventilation that offices and enclosed spaces should have.
“The guidelines are available from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) who have and continue to engage with premise owners so they understand the guidelines,” he said.
Recently, the ministry revised its regulations on face mask wearing.
On Sept 7, Khairy announced that it is now optional to wear face masks indoors - with the exception of public transportation, planes, e-hailing vehicles, and as medical institutions. - Mkini
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