COVAX’s all-inclusive price of US$10.55 per dose of Covid-19 vaccines is nearly seven times cheaper than China-owned Sinopharm’s experimental coronavirus vaccine at US$72.50 per dose.
Malaysia has not yet signed a legally binding commitment agreement or submitted a non-binding confirmation of intent to participate in the COVAX Covid-19 vaccine access plan, as of Sept 21.
The decision to opt-out of COVAX undermines the careful and strong reputation for health care excellence that Malaysia has prided itself with. It has the potential to erode confidence in participating and investing in our economy.
The FDA is prepared to authorize a coronavirus vaccine before late-stage Phase Three clinical trials are complete, as long as officials are convinced that the benefits outweigh the risks.