KUALA LUMPUR: The Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinovac and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines currently in use in Malaysia are suitable for pregnant women based on the Health Ministry's updated guidelines.
Coordinating Minister for the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme Khairy Jamaluddin said the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine remained recommended while the AstraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines have been classified as suitable for the group.
"AstraZeneca is no longer contraindicated in pregnancy and Sinovac is recommended by the World Health Organisation's interim report for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers as the benefits outweigh the potential risks," he said in a news conference after a visit to the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) vaccination centre (PPV) here, today.
Khairy said a total of 109,607 pregnant women have registered for COVID-19 vaccination via the MySejahtera application so far.
Of the total, 11,663 women were expected to give birth in August and the group would be given the priority for vaccination, he said adding that about 10,000 pregnant mothers have received their appointment dates.
KHAIRY-PREGNANT WOMEN (VACCINE) 2 KUALA LUMPUR
Khairy said about 6,000 expectant mothers were scheduled to be vaccinated at the MITEC and Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre PPVs this weekend.
Pregnant women remain the high-priority recipients for the vaccination based on the risk of COVID-19 infection for the group, he added.
On industry, Khairy, who is also the Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, said a total of four industrial PPVs were currently operating while 19 others would begin operations by the end of this month.
The industrial PPV for the oil and gas sector in Kerteh, Terengganu will start operating on July 1 and the Eastern Steel industrial PPV in Kemaman will begin operation on July 2.
The vaccination programme for the economic sector would be expanded to cover other industries soon, he added.
KHAIRY-PREGNANT WOMEN (VACCINE) 3 (LAST) KUALA LUMPUR
Meanwhile, Khairy said careful planning was being done to avoid a shortage of vaccine supply at PPVs.
He admitted that some PPVs had run out of vaccine stocks due to high utilisation rates.
"We will receive more supply in July, so we hope this will not happen again. We have over eight million doses and seven million have been utilised while one million doses are being distributed," he said.
In a related development, Khairy said 99 per cent of senior citizens in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor (88 per cent) have either been vaccinated or have received an appointment date.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sat Jun 26 2021
Khairy said the Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinovac and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines currently in use in Malaysia are suitable for pregnant women based on the Health Ministry's updated guidelines. - BERNAMApic
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.