PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) says people who have yet to receive their booster doses should be able to retain their fully vaccinated status, regardless of what vaccine they have received previously.
MMA president Dr Koh Kar Chai said it had always advocated educating the public on the benefits of getting vaccinated, and this same approach should be employed in encouraging people to get their boosters.
“A person who has completed two doses of the vaccine is considered fully vaccinated regardless of the vaccine type. This has been the health ministry’s policy from the start, and we believe it still stands.
“The MMA agrees that there is a need for those in the high-risk group to get increased protection against Covid-19 with the booster shots as soon as possible.
“But as the boosters are also on a voluntary basis, they should be sufficiently advised and allowed time to decide on their own,” he said in a statement today.
Earlier this month, health minister Khairy Jamaluddin said senior citizens aged 60 and above and Sinovac recipients above 18 need to get their booster shots before March 1 or lose their fully vaccinated status.
Koh expressed confidence that Malaysians knew the benefits of getting vaccinated and would eventually get their booster shots, adding that there was scientific evidence on the benefits of the third dose.
“It should also be noted that with the economy almost fully open now, most Malaysians are busier and may postpone their booster appointments due to work commitments,” he said.
He urged those above 60 and with comorbidities to get their booster shots as there was enough evidence that they were at a higher risk of developing severe complications from Covid-19.
“Do seek the advice of your family doctor if you are uncertain whether you can take the prescribed booster shot,” he said. - FMT
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