FORMER health minister Dr S. Subramaniam has suggested that the government consider trial booster doses of the Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine. 

This came amid growing concerns about the efficacy of the Sinovac vaccine, particularly in reducing symptomatic infection.

“Analysis has shown that Sinovac has only 65% efficacy against symptomatic infection in contrast to 96% and 92% efficacy for Pfizer and Astra Zeneca respectively. Nevertheless, Sinovac still has a respectable efficacy of 87% in preventing hospitalisation and death, though this is still much lower than the other two vaccines,” said Subramaniam in a Facebook post.

“Recent data have shown that both Pfizer and AZ offer good protection against hospitalisation and death in those infected with the Delta variant but there isn’t much data available for the Sinovac vaccine. The scientific team behind Sinovac has suggested a third dose might be required to increase its efficacy against the Delta variant,” he said.

“Certain countries have reviewed their vaccination strategy and thus have proposed mixing vaccines and giving booster doses to overcome the existing shortcomings of the Sinovac vaccine.

“Whilst I respect the government’s prudence in waiting for more data before mixing vaccines, the government could consider booster doses of Sinovac under trial conditions.”

Health Minister Dr Adham Baba on Thursday said Malaysia will stop administering the Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine under the immunisation programme once supplies are finished. 

Adham said the ministry will increase the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine under the programme, with Malaysia having procured more than 45 million doses.

Speaking further, Subramaniam stressed that the government must be proactive in generating new knowledge as guidance in the new situation.

“This can give greater confidence and protection to those already vaccinated with Sinovac. Moreover, most of them did not have the opportunity to choose the type of vaccine given to them,” he added.

Sinovac vaccine recipients have questioned the government if there are “hidden” reasons behind Putrajaya’s decision to ditch the usage of the China-manufactured vaccine.

They urged the government to be transparent with the reason of its sudden decision to switch vaccines from Sinovac to Pfizer once supplies of the former are used up. 

Coordinating minister for the vaccination programme Khairy Jamaluddin said the decision to stop giving Sinovac vaccines is because Malaysia will receive all doses it had ordered by the end of July.

The science, technology and innovation minister dismissed speculations that the decision has to do with concerns over the vaccine’s efficacy. – July 17, 2021.