Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
KUCHING (June 15): Sarawak welcomes the announcement today by Ministry of Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah on the conditional approval by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) to the Cansino Covid-19 vaccine, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Uggah, who is also Sarawak Disaster Management Committee(SDMC) chairman, said the Cansino vaccine, or Convidecia Recombinant Novel Coronavirus Vaccine (Adenovirus Type 5 Vector) produced by the CanSino Biologics Inc, China, is a single dose vaccine which fits in very well with the state rural scenario.
“I must thank the Health Ministry for making a very wise and speedy decision. In Sarawak, we have our people living and scattered over a huge area in the interiors where transportation is not only a problem but is expensive as well.
“Being single dose, the Cansino vaccine will fit in perfectly in our vaccination programme for these groups,” said Uggah, who is also Deputy Chief Minister in a statement.
Uggah added this decision will certainly expedite the state’s target to complete its vaccination programme roll out by August this year.
“Our medical teams will only need to visit them (the rural folks) in their locations once, thus cutting down on expenses, travelling time and the inconveniences and risks involved.
“SDMC has forwarded its request to the federal government for suitable allocation of the vaccine to the state as soon as the supply is available to the country,” he said.
Dr Noor Hisham in a statement earlier today said Cansino vaccine and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine from United States of America have been given conditional approval for use in Malaysia.
He aid the decision was made during the 359th Drug Control Authority (DCA) meeting today.
He added that the meeting agreed to grant conditional registration approval for use during an emergency for two vaccine products requiring only one dose of immunisation.
The two vaccines were namely Convidecia Recombinant Novel Coronavirus Vaccine (Adenovirus Type 5 Vector), produced by CanSino Biologics Inc, China and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen Covid-19 Vaccine which has been granted Emergency Use Listing (EUL) approval by the World Health Organisation (WHO).