MMA advises parents to consult experts over vaccination doubts

 

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged parents who are having doubts about vaccination to speak to paediatricians about it.

Its president Dr Koh Kar Chai, in a statement today, said the MMA echoed Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob when he said the government would not force the Covid-19 vaccination on children aged five to 11.

"It is a laudable decision that has been taken by the government when it comes to PICKids (National Covid-19 Children’s Immunisation Programme)," said Koh.

He said children aged five to 11 years were the last cohort (discounting those under five) that have yet to be vaccinated.

"Many parents are worried about clusters being reported from educational institutions and rightly so as there are reports of severe Covid-19 infection among children, albeit in small numbers.

"We, too, are aware of parents’ concern about adverse reactions from the Covid-19 vaccine and who are hesitant to subject their children to the vaccine.

"To these parents, MMA advises them to speak to either their paediatricians or family doctors for verified information before deciding on the need to vaccinate their children," he added.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin recently warned that no one should harass parents who want to give the Covid-19 vaccine to their children. - Mkini