STATE governments and the private sector can now order the Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine directly from Pharmaniaga Bhd, Deputy Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said today.

“The orders can begin now,” the deputy prime minister said while on a visit to Pharmaniaga in Shah Alam today, adding that a total of 14 million doses are available for purchase. 

“Some government-linked companies, private hospitals and states such as Selangor have already indicated their interest,” said Ismail, who is also defence minister.

He said the price for Sinovac vaccines will be determined by Pharmaniaga, who is the local fill and finish manufacturer for the China-made vaccine.

Ismail said that those interested in acquiring the vaccine will be referred to the National Covid-19 Vaccination Programme (JKJAV). 

“After the orders are placed, we will refer to JKJAV although we can sell directly. Because the names (of those receiving the vaccines) may be duplicated,” he said when asked which companies or states will be prioritised.

The deputy prime minister and Health Minister Dr Adham Baba were at Pharmaniaga Bhd today to witness the handover of 12.4 million doses of Sinovac, four months ahead of the initial delivery deadline in November. 

The supply of the Sinovac vaccine was brought forward to this month to speed up the country’s vaccination drive. 

According to Ismail, the government has ordered an additional two million doses of Sinovac to cover Operation Surge Capacity, which can be delivered immediately.

Operation Surge Capacity seeks to ensure that every adult in Klang Valley gets their first Covid vaccine dose by August 1.

Earlier, the government announced that Sinovac will no longer be used in the national inoculation programme once the supplies end. – July 21, 2021.