Malaysia Updates COVID-19 Vaccine Guidelines for Pregnant Women, Expands Industrial Vaccination Programme

Strategic Insights -

Malaysian Coordinating Minister for the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme Khairy Jamaluddin announced that the country's current COVID-19 vaccines, including Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinovac, and AstraZeneca, are now suitable for pregnant women. The updated guidelines classify AstraZeneca as no longer contraindicated in pregnancy, while Sinovac is recommended by the World Health Organisation's interim report due to its benefits outweighing potential risks. This decision follows the registration of 109,607 pregnant women for COVID-19 vaccination via the MySejahtera application, with 11,663 expected to give birth in August and prioritised for vaccination.

The high-priority vaccination programme for pregnant women aims to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 infection within this vulnerable group. Meanwhile, the industrial vaccination programme is being expanded, with four industrial PPVs currently operating and 19 others set to begin operations by the end of July. A total of six industrial PPVs are scheduled to operate this weekend, including two large-scale vaccination centres at MITEC and Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre.

Khairy acknowledged that some vaccination centres had experienced shortages due to high utilisation rates, but assured that vaccine supply would be replenished in July. With over eight million doses available, seven million have been utilised, and one million are being distributed. Additionally, 99 per cent of senior citizens in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor have either been vaccinated or have received an appointment date.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinovac, and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines are now suitable for pregnant women in Malaysia, following updated Health Ministry guidelines.
  • AstraZeneca is no longer contraindicated in pregnancy, while Sinovac is recommended by the World Health Organisations interim report for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
  • 109,607 pregnant women have registered for COVID-19 vaccination via the MySejahtera application, with 11,663 expected to give birth in August and prioritised for vaccination.
  • Pregnant women remain a high-priority group for vaccination due to their increased risk of COVID-19 infection.
  • Four industrial PPVs are currently operating, while 19 others will begin operations by the end of July, with six PPVs scheduled to operate this weekend at MITEC and Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre.
  • Careful planning is underway to avoid vaccine shortages at PPVs, with a total of over eight million doses available, seven million utilised, and one million distributed.
  • 99 per cent of senior citizens in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor have either been vaccinated or have received an appointment date.

Statistics:

  • 109,607 pregnant women have registered for COVID-19 vaccination via the MySejahtera application.
  • 11,663 pregnant women are expected to give birth in August and will be prioritised for vaccination.
  • 99 per cent of senior citizens in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor have either been vaccinated or have received an appointment date.
  • 88 per cent of senior citizens in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor have received their vaccine appointment.
  • Over eight million COVID-19 vaccine doses are available, with seven million utilised and one million distributed.
  • Four industrial PPVs are currently operating, and 19 others will begin operations by the end of July.

Sources:

  • Khairy Jamaluddin, Coordinating Minister for the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme, Malaysian Coordinating Minister for the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme, (no date)
  • World Health Organisation, interim report (no date)
  • Legal Monitor Worldwide, news article (2021)