HULU SELANGOR: The Health Ministry will seek clarification from pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca regarding its Covid-19 vaccine, which reportedly causes rare side effects.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry would ask representatives from the company to provide a more thorough and transparent explanation.
"I prefer if they speak to all citizens and media.
"They must be responsible, just as we must be. There's nothing we want to hide, and we stand by them.
"They are a large pharmaceutical company and vaccine manufacturer. They need to provide clarification and enlightenment not only to our citizens but globally."
He said this after conducting a health inspection visit to the Orang Asli Tun Abdul Razak Village.
Earlier, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals was reported to have acknowledged in court documents that its Covid-19 vaccine could cause rare side effects.
The company is facing suits over claims that its vaccine, developed with the University of Oxford, could cause death and serious injury in dozens of cases.
Lawyers argued that the vaccine produced side effects that adversely affected a small number of people.
Dr Dzulkefly urged all parties not to hastily draw conclusions regarding the statements made by AstraZeneca.
He said the use of this vaccine had benefits.
"The cases of side effects are at a probability rate of 0.9 per cent in one million people.
"Compare it with its benefits. I ask you to think logically, scientifically, weigh the pros and cons, and put it into perspective."