'If we do not take the vaccine, other countries will' - PFM

KUALA LUMPUR: Vaccines are currently the most important thing for the world's population at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has not yet shown signs of subsiding.

Therefore, having a supply of COVID-19 vaccine is an advantage that should be appreciated and should not be underestimated.

That is the view of the President of the Malaysian Pharmaceutical Association (PFM), Amrahi Buang, who wants Malaysians to be immunised when they get the opportunity soon.

"People need to register and get the vaccine injections. Vaccines are the most valuable thing right now. If we do not take them, other countries will take the opportunity to get the vaccine.

"Here is also a challenge for the government on how to ensure there is a detailed and systematic system to avoid wastage.

“When the people have made an appointment after registration, how to make sure they come at the appointment time," he said when appearing as a guest on Buletin AWANI, today.

Amrahi also thinks the government is well prepared to implement the National Immunisation Program, especially when they decide to speed up its date.

Apart from the storage challenge at the set temperature, the biggest challenge at this time is of course in ensuring an efficient distribution system, especially in terms vaccine access for all residents in Malaysia.

"Malaysia has had an immunisation program since the 1950s, so I think it has to some extent prepared the government and the parties involved.

"The difference is that the current situation is very big and has never happened before, so of course there are challenges ahead.

"We are also waiting for a more detailed plan related to logistics aspects, for example how to ensure that the vaccine is accessible to all residents, both in the interior, Sabah, Sarawak and Orang Asli.

"The most challenging of course are foreigners and illegal immigrants. But I am confident with the experience we have before, as well as the experience of other countries that have implemented this immunisation program, we can do it," he said.

On Sunday, Malaysia received the first delivery of 312,390 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

The first phase of the National COVID-19 Immunisation Program will run from this February to April involving frontline staff.

It will be distributed for injections on Feb 24.