KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 15): Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine is now available in Malaysia, said Duopharma Biotech Bhd.

Duopharma's wholly owned unit, Duopharma (M) Sdn Bhd, has been authorised as Sinopharm's registration holder and to engage in the sales and distribution of the vaccine in the country.

In a statement today, Duopharma said the first shipment of the vaccine arrived in batches in September 2021 and it is now widely available at clinics and private hospitals nationwide.

"Duopharma is committed to supporting the government's vaccination programme and augmenting the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme by expanding vaccine distribution channels to ensure full vaccine coverage in Malaysia," said group managing director Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar.

According to the statement, the Sinopharm vaccine is currently indicated for individuals aged 18 to 59.

In July 2021, the Ministry of Health's Drug Control Authority approved the conditional registration of Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine for use in Malaysia.