Claims that vaccine given had passed expiry date untrue - Khairy

KUALA LUMPUR: Preliminary investigations have found claims that the COVID-19 vaccine given had passed its expiry date were untrue said National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) Coordinating Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

Khairy, who is also Science, Technology and Innovation Minister said the expiry date of the second dose vaccine shown on the individual's MySejahtera application was actually for the first vaccine shot received.

"A data recording error had caused this to happen and the actual expiry date of the vaccine will be updated in the MySejahtera for the individuals involved," he said in a statement here today.

As for claims on sale of vaccine appointment slots, Khairy said an Integrity and Investigation Committee has been established under the COVID-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) comprising representatives from CITF, the police, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.

"In addition, a Guideline on Vaccine Monitoring and Standby List Preparation has been established for the vaccination centres (PPVs) to ensure there is no abuse of power," he said.

He added that the CITF had been working with the police to investigate the matter since last month and the public would be informed of any latest developments.

Khairy said the capacity system at the PPVs would be upgraded with the introduction of two factors for the validation of every appointment scheduled and increase in the number of vaccine recipients

On the the standard operating procedures in place, should there be COVID-19 positive individuals present at the vaccination centres, Khairy said several immediate measures would be taken including sanitation, close contact tracing, besides conducting COVID-19 tests on staff.

"I have also instructed every PPV to conduct a more thorough inspection at every entrance so that people with certain risk status are not allowed to enter," he said.

At the same time, he reminded the public who have undergone COVID-19 screening to be responsible and not to come to the PPV either for their vaccination appointment or as an escort as long as they have not received their test results.

-- BERNAMA