KUALA LUMPUR:"Do not choose wyhatever vaccine that has been approved by the government, as it has already been tested and its effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 has been proven."

That is the advice of pediatrician, Datuk Dr Musa Nordin to those who think that different vaccines have different levels of efficacy.

In a series of questions and answers posted on his Youtube website today, Dr Musa said he was confident that the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Division (NPRA) had conducted due diligence and inspection before allowing the use of the COVID-19 vaccine in the country.

"Whatever vaccine is given to you, it means you are lucky. So, I advise you to accept any vaccine provided by the government as it will provide due protection.

"Do not choose what is listed. Just grab it. It is very difficult for us to get the COVID-19 vaccine which can save our lives, which can prevent us from getting the virus and prevent us from being hit by 'Long COVID-19', a syndrome that is very damaging to the health," he added.

Earlier, the Coordinating Minister of the National COVID-19 Immunisation Program, Khairy Jamaluddin, informed that the recipients of the COVID-19 vaccine in Malaysia cannot choose the brand of vaccine they want to receive when the COVID-19 Immunisation Program begins at the end of this month.

However, he assured that the government would not compromise on the level of security of all vaccines given to the Malaysian population, as it would have to go through strict standards by the NPRA.

Commenting further, Dr Musa said, although there are currently no conclusive test results for children under 16, they can still be protected if the level of group prevention or herd immunity can be achieved between 70 to 80 per cent.

"We hope that if we get a group prevention of 70 to 80 per cent, we can protect those who cannot take the vaccine such as children under 16 years.

"In addition, it can also protect those who have comorbidity diseases (more than one disease), those who do not want to take the vaccine and also because the vaccine is not enough for everyone," he added.