PUTRAJAYA: The government will start administering the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine only on a voluntary first come, first served basis via a special Vaccination Center (PPV) and will not be used in the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme. 

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation and Coordinating Minister of the National COVID-19 Immunization Program (PICK), Khairy Jamaluddin said the decision was made taking into account the people's concern about the safety of the vaccine.

“After holding discussions with the Minister of Health, Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba, the AstraZeneca vaccine will not be used in the mainstream immunisation program.

"AstraZeneca vaccine will only be given to applicants on voluntary basis, who have seen all the facts about the vaccine and a health assessment on them will be made.

“The provision of this vaccine is not limited to those who are eligible to receive the vaccine in phase two of PICK, it is open to all. Whoever is faster can get the AstraZeneca vaccine, ”he said at the COVID-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) Weekly press conference.

Khairy said the vaccine will be available for now to residents in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.