By Fatihah
Kuala Lumpur: Several talks with the manufacturer of the Covid-19 vaccine are now in the final phase and an official announcement will be made by the government when the agreement is signed soon.
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Khairy Jamaluddin said, the government has communicated with 10 manufacturers of the Covid-19 vaccine involving eight manufacturers who are contacted directly.
"There are some negotiations that are in the final phase and an official announcement will be made when the agreement is signed soon.
The talks cover aspects of cooperation in various stages of vaccine development such as research and development (R&D), exchange of scientists, development of fill and finish (technology transfer, logistics, and cold chain), including the purchase of vaccines (final products) as a guarantee of vaccine supply access for the country, "he said at an oral answer session in the Dewan Rakyat, today.
Khairy said, through participation in Covax, Malaysia will have access to Covid-19 vaccine supply of 10 percent of the country's population.
"The government is trying to get another 60 percent to meet the national immunization target for the purpose of group immunity to 70 percent of the country's total population.
"The government is also trying to get vaccine access as early as the first quarter or second quarter of next year depending on the approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Division (NPRA)," he said.
According to him, NPRA will ensure that a vaccine passes the stipulated conditions including safety and effectiveness through clinical trial data that has been conducted.
Khairy said, only after going through the process, a vaccine will be approved and a decision for the reservation will be made.
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