KUALA LUMPUR, 19 SEPTEMBER: Priority will be given to people with underlying medical condition or high-risk groups for the COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, before it is administered to the general public.
Health Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin said based on the COVID-19 fatality rates and hospitalisation data, majority cases involved senior citizens and those with serious illness such as diabetes, heart problems and high blood pressure.
The decision follows after the government has agreed to administer a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine to Malaysians next month.
According to Health Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin, his ministry is currently gathering intel from each vaccine manufacturers which will be rallied to the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) for approval.
Involved vaccine manufacturers involved would be Pfizer BioNtech, AstraZeneca and Sinovac.
Currently NPRA has only approved the two dose regime which is set to complete within one to two weeks, nationwide.
“So far, the three vaccines types administered only involved two dosages.
“When we have ample information, we will decide whether to administer the same type of vaccine for the booster shot, or a mixed dosage.
“But I do want stress that Malaysia has enough supply of COVID-19 vaccines,” said Khairy in a press conference after his work visit in Kedah.
Earlier on, Prime Minister, Dato Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced it is essential for Malaysians to receive a booster shot to increase protection from COVID-19 especially those in the high-risk group.
He said the booster shot will be administered once the vaccination rate nationwide has achieved more than 80 per cent.
“Any announcement in regards to the COVID-19 booster shot will be announced by Khairy himself,” said Ismail in a press statement today
