J&J vaccine could be game changer

KUALA LUMPUR: Public health experts are confident that Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) single-shot vaccine will be a “game changer” for Malaysia’s vaccination programme.

They believe the vaccine can navigate around logistical hurdles as well as enhance access, distribution and compliance.

Epidemiologist Professor Datuk Dr Awang Bulgiba Awang Mahmud said based on reports, the J&J vaccine did not require ultra-low temperature freezers, thus making it easier to store and transport without requiring special containers.

“So, this vaccine will be able to reach remote areas like some parts in Sabah and Sarawak where logistical issues persist,” he told the New Straits Times.

Besides accessibility, he said the single shot vaccines could encourage people from remote areas and undocumented migrants to get inoculated as they did not have to return to vaccination centres for a second dose.

However, Dr Awang, who also heads the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry’s Independent Covid-19 Vaccination Advisory Committee, said the major challenge in procuring the J&J vaccines was getting them delivered on time.

“Previously, Malaysia was a little slow in getting the Pfizer vaccine but once out off the blocks, the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry acted swiftly to acquire the rest of the vaccines.

“Meanwhile, vaccine diplomacy assisted in the Sinovac vaccine procurement as the Foreign Affairs Ministry has been a great help in negotiations.

“For the J&J vaccine, the major concern will be to get the vaccine supplies on time since rich countries have procured more than half the world’s supplies and have more than enough doses to vaccinate their populations two to three times over.

“But according to media reports, Malaysia has already negotiated or procured enough vaccine doses to ensure herd immunity.

“So getting additional doses would simply be to either ensure 100 per cent coverage, migrant population coverage or to cater for newer variants,” he said.

Manipal University College Malaysia Community and Occupational Medicine Professor Dr G. Jayakumar said the country was in need of diversified vaccine options to rein in the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The J&J jabs will allow more vaccines to be sourced by the government and minimise vaccine supply shortage.

“Since it is a single-dose vaccine, there is also less red tape, as there is no need for second shots and no worry about making sure that a second dose is available at the right time.

“Fewer healthcare professionals are also required to undertake the vaccination task.

“Maintaining the cold chain and transporting them is also easier because the vaccine can be kept at usual refrigerator temperatures for up to three months.

“Since the storage and transportation of these vaccines are less cumbersome, it will be convenient to inoculate homeless people, undocumented migrant workers, physically challenged elderly people and those residing in rural areas.

“Therefore, the government will need to initiate procurement negotiations with the company as soon as possible,” he said.

Source: NST