Local vaccine initiative lauded

HEALTH experts have lauded the effort by Malaysian researchers to create our own Covid-19 vaccine.

Malaysian Medical Association president Prof Datuk Dr Subramaniam Muniandy says it is important for Malaysia to have experience and expertise in vaccine development.

“This is because even if Covid-19 disappears, other pandemics or epidemics may occur.

“Furthermore, the mRNA vaccine technology can be used for cancer treatment,” he says.

Expressing support for our local initiative, Dr Subramaniam believes basic scientific research should be strengthened in Malaysia for the benefit of all.

He was commenting on the two types of vaccines currently being developed by local experts – one involving the mRNA method and another using the inactivated vaccine approach.

Consultant paediatrician and neonatologist Datuk Dr Musa Mohd Nordin says both types of the vaccines have their own strengths.

“The mRNA vaccine would be great if it is successful, going the way of Pfizer and Moderna.

“The other using the inactivated vaccine approach is a classic vaccine technology, similar to the likes of Sinopharm and Sinovac.

“Such vaccines normally have the least in terms of side effects or adverse effects following immunisation (AEFI),” he says.

However, Dr Musa says mRNA vaccines tend to have higher vaccine effectiveness but with higher risks of AEFI.

Lauding the effort by local researchers, he says the vaccines can help Malaysia if we need to consider getting booster shots.

He says those who have been vaccinated will have antibodies to protect against the coronavirus for up to a year, if not longer.

“If Covid-19 becomes endemic, as predicted by most experts, then we may need to consider booster shots.

“So it’s best if we have our own vaccine manufacturing plants and not be beholden to procuring from other vaccine manufacturers,” Dr Musa adds.

An endemic refers to a situation where an infection is constantly maintained in a certain population or region.