Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has urged senior citizens and other high-risk groups to take the second booster shot before the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration. This is because the Covid-19 Omicron variant is still a serious threat, especially for the elderly, chronic patients with high blood pressure and diabetes and those with immune system problems.
As reported by The Star, Khairy said that for some the Omicron is like the common cold but for the groups at risk mentioned above, it could bring serious harm to them. Hence, it is highly recommended to take a booster dose because if infected with the variant, the effects and symptoms can be severe to the group.
Previously, national news agency Bernama reported that the government has given the nod for a second booster dose for individuals aged 60 and above and those with high-risk comorbidities. In referring to that decision, the Health Minister stressed,
“I am urging senior citizens to get a booster dose. The vaccines have an expiry date, they can not be stored for too long, they will be wasted if not used,”
He also revealed that the overall percentage of booster dose intake among adults in Malaysia is 70%, while for the elderly is 77%. Khairy hoped that the figure would reach 90% among the elderly as it is important for the safety of the age group.
Besides that, the Health Minister also said that there is a possibility for an increase in Covid-19 infections during the upcoming Aidilfitri period. Hence, efforts to increase the percentage of booster doses will be stepped up and that the Health Ministry had already instructed the state health directors to do so before the festive period.
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