No reason for EU to discriminate over AstraZeneca jabs, Khairy says again

The European Union (EU) should not discriminate over where AstraZeneca vaccines are produced as the same formula is used at all its manufacturing facilities, National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) coordinating minister Khairy Jamaluddin reiterated today.

In the wake of reports that the EU would only recognise the AstraZeneca vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency, Khairy said he would get AstraZeneca to inform the EU that all their manufacturing sites implement good manufacturing practices.

“So there is absolutely no reason for the EU to discriminate one AZ (AstraZeneca) facility from the other,” he told a joint press conference on PICK developments with Health Minister Dr Adham Baba today.

Khairy who is science, technology and innovation minister said he would also discuss the issue with the EU ambassador to Malaysia to get clarity on the actual immigration policy for the EU with regards to vaccination.

He said all countries should allow entry to travellers vaccinated with World Health Organization (WHO)-listed vaccines.

“That would be the most fair outcome in the recognition of vaccines for travellers. As long as a vaccine has been listed by WHO, then countries should accept travellers who have been vaccinated using those vaccines,” he said.