GEORGE TOWN: The government is looking into allowing those who have completed two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine injections under the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP) access to certain perks and benefits.
Announcing this today, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, however, did not specify what those perks would be.
Khairy, who is also the coordinating minister for the NIP, said the authorities were still studying clinical data on the matter.
"At the Health Ministry level as well as the Special Vaccine Supply Access Guarantee Committee (JKJAV), we are discussing the possibility of allowing those who have completed their two doses of injections to certain 'conveniences' in the future," he told reporters after a working visit to the Vaccine Delivery Centre (PPV) at Kompleks Masyarakat Penyayang here this afternoon.
The authorities had previously floated the idea of an "immunity passport" which would enable those who are fully vaccinated access to a variety of perks, including unrestricted travel.
However, medical experts had said the proposal needed greater consultation as there were many issues that needed to be considered before it could be rolled out.
As such, the World Health Organisation had recommended that Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures, such as mandatory quarantines, be applied still even if a person is vaccinated.
In Malaysia, a total of 129,110 people have completed their two doses of Covid-19 vaccine injections under the NIP, as of last Sunday.
According to Health Minister Dr Adham Baba, 451,655 people had received the first dose, bringing the total number of first and second doses of Covid-19 vaccine administered in the country to 580,765.
The PPV at Kompleks Masyarakat Penyayang, which is able to accommodate 800 people daily, is one of 10 non-medical PPVs in the state in preparation for the NIP's second phase rollout.
Khairy said to date, some 7.5 million people have registered for the Covid-19 vaccine, which is about 30 per cent of the target set by the government.
"We are looking at a steady increase. I am confident that when we begin the second phase on April 19, we will see more people coming forward to register.
"They are taking the 'wait and see' approach. They want to see how it goes for the others first. If there is no issue, then I am certain more people will come forward to register for the vaccine," he added, noting that the government will increase the number of non-medical PPVs when the need arises to hasten the NIP.
PPVs at hospitals and clinics will also be maintained to cater to those with chronic and serious illnesses.
"We have yet to finalise the non-medical PPVs nationwide as we are still going through the states' list. We also need to make certain revisions to complete the immunisation programme at the end of this year compared to the initial target in February next year.
"As such, this requires us to open up more PPVs in densely populated urban areas. For (this month) and May, I am satisfied with our preparations.
"However, we foresee the immunisation programme peaking in June, where we will receive vaccine deliveries in the millions each month. So, we may open up more PPVs then with the condition the registration also increases," he added.
On the purchase of vaccines by state governments and private hospitals, Khairy said the government has no objections to enabling both parties to procure their own vaccines.
He said the Health Ministry would come out with the framework next week.
"It is just that state governments and private hospitals need to manage their expectations. Don't think that with the green light given for them to purchase the vaccine, they can receive the supply immediately. That is impossible.
"I have been representing the government in the procurement of the vaccines since last year and I know how the supplies are. The supplies are limited. Take for example, the BioNTech-Pfizer, they will only sell it to the country. As for the AstraZeneca vaccine, it will only be delivered to us in June.
"So, even if they (state governments and private hospitals) can procure the vaccine, the earliest they can get them is the end of this year or early next year. So, if they still want to buy the vaccine, go ahead, we have no issues," he added.