Covid-19: 'Don't wait for the bivalent vaccines'
02 Jan 2023 02:59pm
Health Ministry urged Malaysians to get their Covid-19 second booster shots instead of waiting for the bivalent vaccines.- File pix
A
A
A
Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa advised those who have already taken the first booster shot at least six months prior, to get the second shot as soon as possible, adding that the monovalent vaccines that are presently used here in Malaysia are still effective in reducing virus symptoms and fatalities.
She said this following the resurgence of the virus in China recently.
The ministry is taking steps to stop the infection from coming into the country as well as taking precautions if cases spike up again, Dr Zaliha said.
"The ministry hopes that the percentage of those taking the booster shots will continue to increase, especially among those in the high risk group. Currently, only 49.8 percent of Malaysians have received their first booster shots, and only 1.9 per have taken their second shot.
"The vaccine that is currently used here, is effective in providing protection against severe symptoms due to the infection, and it should reduce hospitalisation rates.
"Further, with the bivalent vaccine, which will soon be available in Malaysia following its approval by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) recently.
"The announcement will be made after the supply is received, along with the eligibility criteria to receive it," she said in a statement today.
At the same time, she explained, the extension of Malaysia's "infected local area" status until June 2023, gives the ministry the space to take immediate action when necessary.
This includes changing existing policy, particularly with regard to COVID-19 pandemic health care management at the national border (health border measures), as well as tightening the standard operating procedures (SOP) of health checks at any entry point into the country.
"It will be implemented if necessary, not only for visitors or travellers (Malaysian citizens and non-citizens) arriving from China, but also for those arriving from all over the world. The ministry is always ready to increase health capacity to face any eventuality," she said. - Awani
