13 MAY 2022 – As announced by YB Khairy Jamaluddin, the Minister of Health Malaysia on 11 May 2022, all adults above 60 years old can now obtain a second dose of the COVD-19 booster after four (4) to six (6) months from their first booster dose.
In addition, adults aged 18-59 years old, and adolescents aged 12-17 years old with clinical risk of severe disease (chronic heart, lung, kidney, liver, etc.) who have high risk of developing severe symptoms or even succumbing to death due to COVID-19 infection can obtain their second booster dose after four (4) to six (6) months from their first booster dose as advised by a medical professional.
ProtectHealth Corporaion Sdn. Bhd. (ProtectHealth) Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Dr. Anas Alam Faizli said the decision to roll out the administration of the second booster shot was made after the Technical Working Group looked into the scientific studies that vaccine efficacy against COVID-19 infection wanes significantly.
“Studies have shown that vaccine efficacy against hospitalisation is favourable for at least five months. However, two doses of COVID-19 vaccine during primary series with a booster still provides durable protection against the most severe outcomes in adults,” he said.
Dato’ Dr. Anas Alam Faizli also highlighted that the second booster dose is voluntary and given for free under the COVID-19 National Immunisation Programme (PICK).
“If you’re helping the senior citizens and those high-risk individuals to obtain their second booster dose, you’re taking a huge step towards safeguarding your health and the health of your family, neighbours, and the community. Let’s together keep protecting our most vulnerable groups.”
As of 11 May 2022, a total of 11,653 doses of second booster have been administered to adults aged 60 years and above.
ProtectHealth through private medical practitioners and Healthcare NGOs will continue to assist and work together with the Ministry of Health to maximise and expedite the implementation of the second booster dose and encourages PMPs to participate in the programme.
Lindung Diri, Lindung Semua.
PROTECTHEALTH CORPORATION SDN. BHD.
