CanSino vaccine still awaiting approval from NPRA, says Khairy

The CanSino Covid-19 vaccine has yet to be approved by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) to be brought in and used in the country, says minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

Khairy, the coordinating minister for the national vaccination programme, said NPRA is in the midst of studying the vaccine from China.

“Until we get approval from the NPRA, we cannot bring in the vaccine.

“(Previously) the Sarawak government had asked for the vaccine, I told Sarawak that we will only be able to give them the CanSino vaccine after we get the approval,” he told reporters in Alor Setar today.

Khairy added that the CanSino vaccine, as a single-shot dose, is very suitable for those living in rural areas.

The science, technology and innovation minister said overall, the number of people who have registered for vaccination is on the rise with the number of those aged 18 and above reaching almost 40%.

He said through intensified efforts, the number might reach up to 50% in the next one to two months.

“Our target is to reach more than 80%. Many still need to register. But I think many are taking a wait-and-see approach,” he said.