Vaccinations were considered to be among the most effective way in preventing further COVID-19 transmission. To date, the manufactures of vaccines were in the third phase of clinical trial studies. However, the extent to which the publics are able to pay and willing to pay for this vaccine remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the ability to pay (ATP) and willingness to pay (WTP) for COVID-19 vaccination in Malaysia. A cross sectional study was conducted among 67 staff of a public university in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan. The ATP and WTP were obtained through an open and close-ended method via either face-to-face interview or telephone-based interview. For the open-ended method, the mean (SD) ATP and WTP values recorded were USD 52.35 (620.83) and USD 52.08 (620.82) respectively. As for the close-ended, the mean (SD) ATP and WTP values recorded were USD 52.08 (620.82) and USD 32.38 (147.97) respectively. Through closed-ended method, lower ATP and WTP values were recorded compared with open-ended method, as the respondents are able to negotiate through a bidding process to get the best price of vaccine. Female, Malay, married, permanent staff and respondents with side-income respondents recorded higher ATP and WTP values in open-ended method. Nevertheless, except for the side-income, other factors in this study were not statistically significant. Findings from this study could facilitate government to set appropriate market price to ensure the affordability of COVID-19 vaccine and improve its accessibility so that a big proportion of the people will be vaccinated and protected from this disease.

COVID-19 infection resulted in significant economic implications to patients as well as a considerable financial burden to the general population for preventive measures. A descriptive study was conducted among staff at one of the public universities in Malaysia to estimate the monthly out-of-pocket expenditures for preventive measures used for COVID-19 infection. The study tool includes questions on household out-of-pocket expenditure and the measurements of the impact of the expenditure on household income. It was found that the average cumulative monthly expenditures related to the preventive measures were US$ 45.90 (Ringgit Malaysia 187.77), which was 4.3% of the household income. The highest expenditures were for traditional and complementary medicine followed by nutraceutical/supplements and disposable facemask. 8% of the households in this study incurred more than ten per cents of their monthly household income for expenditures related to COVID-19 preventive measures. Several households are experiencing substantial financial implications for preventive measures related to COVID-19 infection. This study highlights the out-of-pocket expenditures incurred for preventive measures were substantial for certain households. Effective initiatives from the government on providing subsidized protective personal equipment and a cost-sharing approach could help to alleviate the household financial burden.