KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry (MOH) is strongly recommending a booster dose of either Pfizer-BioNTech or AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, said its minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
"Any booster is better than no booster. Although the MOH recommends a booster dose of Pfizer or AZ (AstraZeneca) for the best top-up protection, some are still asking for options.
"We still strongly recommend a Pfizer or AZ boost. But something is better than nothing," he tweeted today.
Khairy shared a statement issued by ProtectHealth Corporation Sdn Bhd which announced that the Sinovac vaccine will be made available for booster doses at all offsite vaccination centres (PPVs) under the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme for free from Monday (Feb 14).
It said that those who are eligible for the booster dose and wish to obtain the Sinovac type vaccine can check the list of the offsite PPVs on the ProtectHealth website at www.protecthealth.com.my.
"However, the Ministry of Health is still recommending Pfizer boosters for Sinovac recipients as it offers a higher level of protection," said ProtectHealth.
Earlier this week, Khairy said recipients of the Sinovac vaccination primer doses can now pick the same brand for their booster shots. The decision was due to the reluctance of Sinovac vaccine recipients to take different booster doses such as Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca.
He also said that there were 3.5 million recipients of the Sinovac primer doses who have yet to receive their booster shots, and the MOH will be issuing appointments for them.
Meanwhile, in another tweet, Khairy congratulated Sarawak and Melaka for the high vaccination rate under the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme for Children (PICKids).
"Congratulations to Sarawak and Melaka for acting fast in giving protection to the children. Thanks for keeping your children safe from COVID-19," he said.
The infographics showed that 7.7 per cent of children in Sarawak and 6.0 per cent in Melaka have been vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Feb 11.
This is followed by Klang Valley (5.8 per cent), Negeri Sembilan (3.3), Perlis (2.2), Labuan (1.8), Sabah (1.5), Kedah (1.2). Perak (0.6), Terengganu (0.5) and Penang (0.4).
The two states with the lowest percentage are Johor and Pahang with 0.1 per cent.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sat Feb 12 2022
The Health Ministry (MOH) is strongly recommending a booster dose of either Pfizer-BioNTech or AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, said its minister Khairy Jamaluddin. - BERNAMA
Team Malaysia Junior and Senior Teams shine at ICU World Cup Korea
Team Malaysia celebrated remarkable achievements at the ICU World Cup in Korea, with the Junior Team clinching first place and the Senior Team earning a well-deserved second place.
What parents need to know about adolescent health and vaping
Nicotine is an incredibly addictive drug that produces feelings of pleasure and relaxation within seconds of inhaling a vape.
Desperate for cash, Gazans sell clothes plucked from rubble
Widespread shortages and months of grinding war have generated a trade in old clothing, mostly salvaged from homes of people who have died.
Chile's 'seed guardians' grow and protect forgotten food varieties
The guardians collect, trade and plant hundreds of seeds to preserve forgotten varieties of tomatoes, corn and other vegetables.
Saying 'no' to mobile phone use while driving
Mobile phones have become indispensable, yet their impact on road safety remains insufficiently examined.
How ASEAN's cybersecurity push could protect people and economies
ASEAN is stepping up to create a more secure regional cyberspace.
How lab-grown meat can feed our need for protein
Putting meat on people's plates is a significant contributor to global warming.
Developing nations blast $300 billion COP29 climate deal as insufficient
Some delegates gave the deal a standing ovation in the COP29 plenary hall. Others lambasted wealthy nations for not doing more.
Johor's four-and-a-half-day work week depends on state govt's rationale - Azalina
She said the state government must have valid reasons for the proposal but declined to elaborate further.
Gunman shot dead, 3 police injured in shooting near Israeli embassy in Jordan
The kingdom has witnessed some of the biggest peaceful rallies across the region as anti-Israel sentiment runs high over the war in Gaza.
23 killed, 45 injured in fresh Israeli airstrikes on eastern Lebanon
Over 3,600 people have been killed by Israeli attacks in Lebanon so far.
Is climate change making tropical storms more frequent? Scientists say it's unclear
Scientists say it remains unclear how much climate change is reshaping the storm season.
Samples obtained by Chinese spacecraft show moon's ancient volcanism
The material provides new insight into the moon's geological history including the oldest evidence to date of lunar volcanism.
The scamdemic targeting the young and vulnerable
Teenagers and young adults are becoming prime targets for a new wave of cyber scams, a trend raising alarm bells across Southeast Asia.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.