KUALA LUMPUR:The 70 per cent target of Malaysian population to get the COVID-19 vaccine in the first quarter of 2021, will focus on adults to enable the country to reach the herd immunity threshold, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
He said if the herd immunity threshold is achieved, those who have not been vaccinated would be protected from COVID-19 infection.
"There will be some who will not get the vaccination because most of the COVID-19 vaccines developed have not been tested on children under the age of 12, so definitely they will not be vaccinated next year.
"So this will probably be the non-vaccinated percentage, we will concentrate of the adult group in achieving herd immunity,” he said when winding up the debate of the Supply Bill 2021 at the Dewan Rakyat sitting today.
He said the government would not compromise on health and safety and would obtain the preliminary and interim safety data so that Malaysians are not made laboratory rats.
He said the government would examine the clinical data provided by companies producing the vaccine especially those developing the COVID-19 vaccine for procurement.
"According to current plans, we will be able to get hold of the first vaccine in the first quarter of next year and an announcement will soon be made by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin," he said.
Responding to Lim Lip Eng’s (PH-Kepong) interjection on the country's selection criteria for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccine, Khairy said the ministry was in talks with companies from several countries including the United States, Russia and China to determine the vaccine with the best portfolio for Malaysia.
He said before the vaccine procurement, studies were made on whether the vaccines provided sterilising immunity to protect against the infection or just to prevent serious spread of infection.
Khairy also informed that an independent COVID-19 vaccine evaluation committee has been set up under the COVID-19 Vaccine Access Guarantee Special Committee, chaired by epidemiologist Prof Datuk Dr Awang Bulgiba Awang Mahmud, comprising nine members with various expertise such as virology, molecular immunology and infectious diseases.
“We have taken this approach so that in determining the vaccines, we will seek this independent expert advice, to ensure that decisions are not based on any ministry’s recommendation,” he said in reply to Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (PH-Kuala Selangor) who asked who were involved in the vaccine procurement.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Nov 25 2020
Khairy said if the herd immunity threshold is achieved, those who have not been vaccinated would be protected from COVID-19 infection. - foto BERNAMA
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.