Sinovac Vaccine Controversy Leads to Additional Imports Suspension
"Vaccination Will Stop After Using Remaining Stock"
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-woo] The Malaysian government announced that it will only use the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines imported so far and will halt further imports and vaccinations, intensifying the controversy over the low efficacy of the Sinovac vaccine. Not only Malaysia, but also neighboring Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, which imported large quantities of the Sinovac vaccine, are reportedly planning to use the Pfizer vaccine for the second dose.
According to Singapore's Channel NewsAsia (CNA) on the 16th, Adham Baba, Malaysia's Minister of Health, stated at a press conference the day before, "Going forward, COVID-19 vaccinations will mainly focus on using the Pfizer vaccine," adding, "About 16 million doses of the Sinovac vaccine have been received so far, with roughly half used. The remaining half will be used for second doses of those already vaccinated, but after that, its use will be completely stopped," drawing a clear line that there will be no further imports.
Minister Baba emphasized, "We have secured 45 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which should be sufficient to vaccinate 70% of the 32 million population," and added, "All those who have not yet been vaccinated will receive the Pfizer vaccine." According to CNA, the Malaysian government plans to stop Sinovac vaccinations following the so-called 'water vaccine' controversy caused by the low preventive efficacy of the Sinovac vaccine in neighboring countries.
Previously, the Sinovac vaccine was administered in large quantities to healthcare workers in countries such as Thailand and Turkey, but after the recent spread of the Delta variant in these countries, there have been repeated breakthrough infections and deaths among healthcare workers, leading to criticism labeling it as a 'water vaccine.' The governments of Thailand and Turkey have decided to administer the Pfizer vaccine as an additional 'booster shot' to healthcare workers who have completed Sinovac vaccinations to enhance preventive efficacy.
The Indonesian government also announced that it will administer Moderna vaccines as booster shots to 1.47 million healthcare workers, supported by the U.S. government through the international COVID vaccine program COVAX.
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