![Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin [Image: Yusof Mat Isa (via Malay Mail)]](https://www.lowyat.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Khairy-Jamaluddin-KJ-Pfizer-Vaccine-Malaysia-Plan-COVID-19-1-750x500.jpg)
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Khairy Jamaluddin recently released a detailed update regarding the vaccine procurement plan in Malaysia. He assured that the country is on track to receive the vaccine delivery before the end of February 2021, even though it is not among the first countries to secure them.
Khairy added that Malaysia’s vaccination plan will span 18 months, with the aim of distributing it to as many citizens as possible within the first year. The first phase will see the vaccine provided to those at high risk, including individuals in the health sector as well as securities. Next in line will be those with chronic diseases and the elderly.
An Update on Vaccine Procurement — Khairy Jamaluddin https://t.co/VYBa0R3imM
— Khairy Jamaluddin 🇲🇾🌺 (@Khairykj) January 14, 2021
Malaysians under the age of 60 are expected to receive vaccination from the third quarter of 2021 onwards. The minister explained that the distribution plan is also in line with many other countries and advised citizens to manage their expectations.
Malaysia is expected to receive 1 million doses of Pfizer vaccine in the first quarter of 2021, 1.7 million in the second quarter, 5.8 million in the third quarter, and 4.3 million in the 4th quarter. Khairy noted that the delivery of orders with other manufacturers will also be staggered in phases due to the global high demand for COVID-19 vaccines, which are currently facing low production capacity.
(Source: Khairy Jamaluddin [Twitter] [Official website] | Header image: Yusof Mat Isa via Malay Mail)
