THE supply of Covid-19 vaccine for the booster dose and National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) for adolescents is adequate, said Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

“In terms of supply, God willing, we have enough,” he told a press conference in conjunction with the kick-off of the adolescent immunisation programme at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Putrajaya Precinct 8, Putrajaya, today.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had earlier announced that the government has agreed to administer a third dose or booster shot after the nationwide vaccination rate exceeds 80%. 

Priority for the administration of the third dose will be given to high-risk groups to include healthcare frontliners, immune-compromised individuals, the elderly with comorbidities and those residing and working at long-term healthcare facilities.

Khairy said details on the booster shot programme would be announced in a week or two.

When asked if a booster dose is required for the single-dose CanSino vaccine, Khairy said CanSino had submitted an application to the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) stating the possible need for a second dose after six months.

Khairy said the Health Ministry (MOH) would monitor data from other countries using the CanSino vaccine to get further information on the need of a booster dose after six months.

There is no problem in procuring CanSino and Sinovac vaccines for booster doses as the bottling plant is based in Malaysia, he added.

On plans to vaccinate children below 12 years of age, Khairy said several pharmaceutical companies had sent clinical trial information for children under-12, but so far the NPRA has not approved any vaccine for the age group.

He said the MOH had discussed with Senior Education Minister Dr Radzi Jidin on the reopening of  kindergartens and primary schools in a safe environment.

“The strategy is to ensure that all staff at kindergartens and primary schools, including teachers, operators and employees, are fully vaccinated.

“That is the best we can do for now, until vaccination approval is given for children below 12 years, besides the standard operating procedure (SOP) that will be enforced by the Ministry of Education,” he said.

Also present at the kick-off the adolescent immunisation programme were Radzi and Deputy Health Minister Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali, who is also the programme coordinator. – Bernama, September 20, 2021.