Deputy Health Minister II Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang anounced yesterday that Malaysia will begin its third phase of the Sinovac vaccine clinical trials for children below the age of 12.
“The trials are expected to begin at the end of October and will be carried out at 10 research locations involving eight facilities under the Health Ministry, Universiti Malaya and UiTM,”
Deputy Health Minister II, in Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Oct 26).
He also mentioned that Malaysia is one of the few selected locations for the clinical trials.
Aaron said to the House that another vaccine currently under studies is Novawax.
He informed the ministry has since been in deliberation with several other vaccine manufacturers in order to obtain their latest data for the administration of the vaccine for children under 12.
To this date, only Pfizer-BioNtech published in September 20th this year, successful findings pertaining to the third phase clinical vaccine trials for children between 3 to 5 years old.
The findings were submitted to the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) last week, October 21st.
Taking Heed of Experts Before Proceeding
Although found to be safe, displaying ‘strong neutralisation antibody reaction,’ Aaron insists further data by the vaccine manufacturers are still vital for further deliberation.
Meanwhile, China has also approved two vaccines for the emergency use for children between 3 to 17 years old. He explained both phases I and II of the clinical trials testified the vaccines were indeed safe, with notable increased immunity reaction within children and adolescents.
The vaccine manufacturers are Sinovac Biotech Ltd and Sinopharm.
On the other hand, former health minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmed also calls for the government to take note of the US FDA’s announcement on the use of the Pfizer vaccines for children below 12.
“While we respect the findings of the vaccine studies, we should also take heed of what international bodies or jurisdictions have to say.” Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad said.
He supplied as of Tuesday (Oct 26), 108 children have died from COVID-19 complications. On Oct 23, 198 out of the total 235 children fell under category 3, 4, and 5 patients.
The children of these categories required hospitalisation for further medical treatments. This also included the use of breathing assistances in intensive care units.
In reply to the former health minister, the Deputy Minister assures the ministry the US FDA’s announce is indeed under the ministry’s consideration.
Aaron explained further COVID-19 infections among the country’s youths showed a promising decline after their vaccination rollouts.
While the previous infection rates among children were between 15% to 20%, it has since decreased to under 12% following the vaccinations of adolescents aged 12 to 17 recently.
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