Experts to decide on Covid-19 booster shots, mixing vaccines next week

 

Those overseeing the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP) would know by next week if the country needs to order booster vaccine shots for next year.

Cabinet minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who is in charge of the NIP, said a group of experts deliberating the matter is expected to come up with recommendations by then, including on vaccine mixing.

"Regarding the issue of booster vaccine doses, at this juncture, we are waiting for a group of experts chaired by Dr Kalaiarasu Peariasamy, who next week will give their recommendation whether we will need booster doses or not.

"They will also present whether we can give heterologous vaccines. Some countries have adopted this practice due to disruption in their vaccine supply.

"So we will get the view of the experts if mixing vaccines is safe and if those who have completed two doses of immunisation can receive another type of vaccine as a booster dose," he told the Dewan Rakyat today.

Khairy (BN-Rembau), who is the science, technology, and innovation minister, was answering questions raised by other MPs. Earlier, he gave the Parliament a briefing on the NIP.

According to the minister, Malaysia has also started discussing with several vaccine producers to prepare procurement for next year, especially with the Pfizer-BioNtech firm which produces the Cominarty vaccine.

This includes the Covid-19 vaccine that is being developed to immunise children, which is expected to be ready by next year. - Mkini