Khairy: Second dose of AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine to be given 12 weeks after first

PETALING JAYA: The timing interval between the first and second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine for the opt-in programme is set at 12 weeks, says Khairy Jamaluddin.

The Science, Innovation and Technology Minister said in a tweet on Tuesday (May 4) that the 12-week interval is in line with recommendations by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is currently being practised in the United Kingdom.

Khairy added that the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access Guarantee (JKJAV) will also review applications by individuals who request shorter intervals between the two doses.

"JKJAV will review applications for shorter intervals on a case by case basis, for example, students going abroad," he added.

On Sunday (May 2), online bookings for appointments to receive about 268,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine were snapped up in three hours.

Previously, Khairy, who is also coordinating minister for the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme, said the opt-in programme will be extended to more people in Malaysia as the government expects at least 1.1 million more doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to arrive this month.