KUALA LUMPUR: Duopharma Biotech Bhd’s unit is distributing the Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine following the arrival of a shipment as the company contributes to the vaccination efforts in Malaysia.

       The company said on Friday its unit Duopharma (M) Sdn Bhd is the product registration holder approved to sell and distribute the vaccine.

       This is the latest development for Duopharma since July 2021 when the Ministry of Health’s Drug Control Authority (DCA) approved the conditional registration of the vaccine for use in Malaysia.

       Sinopharm is also included in the World Health Organization’s emergency use listing (EUL) and is approved for emergency use in over 65 countries.

       In addition, Sinopharm is among six brands of COVID-19 vaccines recognised by Saudi Arabia, allowing Muslims who have been administered with the vaccine to perform the haj or umrah in Mecca.

       “Administration of the vaccine is fully integrated into the national immunisation system, with Duopharma Biotech also providing private vaccination services as well as mobile vaccine clinics,” it said.

       The vaccine is administered in two separate doses for each person, which will be required for the recipient to be considered fully vaccinated.

       The vaccine is packaged in 0.5ml vials, which is one dose. This helps prevent wastage as the medical personnel is able to finish the entire vial when administering one dose for one person.

       It is also convenient as they do not need to spend time measuring out several doses from one vial.