AstraZenecca vaccine dropped from Covid-19 Immunisation programme, says Khairy Jamaluddin

KUALA LUMPUR (April 28): The government will not include the AstraZeneca vaccine under the National Covid-19 Immunisation programme, according to coordinating minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

Speaking at a press conference after the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force meeting today, Khairy said the vaccine will only be used under a separate registration channel for volunteers.

That said, the controversial vaccine will be offered on a “first come, first serve” basis to the general public in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

“We do not want to waste a vaccine that is proven to be safe and effective. But at the same time, we understand there are certain concerns among the public on the AstraZeneca vaccine,” said Khairy.

The AstraZeneca vaccine has stirred controversy following cases of thrombosis among recipients reported in European countries.

Several countries including Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and Thailand have stopped roll-out of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

More to come