Coronavirus vaccine: from Australia to Malaysia, here’s where Asia stands on the Pfizer shot

Britain’s emergency approval of Pfizer’s vaccine isn’t likely to accelerate the availability of the shot in Asia, as countries work to complete local safety tests

Australia said its timeline for the US firm’s jab remains unchanged, with a decision on approval expected by next January

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Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine needs to contend with a maze of regulations and data submissions in every country. Photo: AFP/Getty Images/TNS

Published: 3:27pm, 4 Dec 2020Updated: 8:42pm, 8 Dec 2020

The quick approval of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine in the UK isn’t likely to accelerate the availability of the shot in Asia, as countries work to complete local safety tests and negotiate deals.

Asia’s biggest economies including China and Japan still need to finish local trials to demonstrate the Pfizer shot is safe, and even then, most countries have set deliveries for next year. In addition, some developing countries in Asia with the biggest outbreaks don’t have deals with Pfizer, and lack the means to distribute and store the vaccine, which needs to be kept at -70 degrees.

Britain’s approval doesn’t automatically make the vaccines available elsewhere. Pfizer’s shot needs to contend with a maze of regulations and data submissions in every country. Many endorsements are contingent on the US Food and Drug Administration giving the vaccine the go-ahead, which is expected as early as December 10.

While every country is anxious for inoculations to stem the spread of the pandemic, much of Asia is in better shape than Western nations, somewhat lessening the urgency for a quick vaccine.

Australia’s pharmaceutical regulator said on Thursday it is on course to review Pfizer’s vaccine by January 2021, with the country sticking to a March timetable to start vaccinations.