KUALA LUMPUR – Health experts argue against making the third Covid-19 booster dose mandatory for the public, emphasising that such a move could trigger unwarranted fears and unease among them, given the sensitivity of the matter.
Speaking to Scoop, Universiti Malaya’s virology expert, Prof Sazaly Abu Bakar said the government should encourage vulnerable groups and the elderly to take the booster dose only if deemed necessary.
“There is no need to mandate vaccination for the public at this point, even with the recent spike in cases.
“Many have already received their two doses along with a booster, activating the body’s immunological memory and enhancing recovery.
“Therefore, a booster shot is unnecessary unless individuals have specific medical conditions or are undergoing treatments like cancer,” he added.
Echoing Sazaly’s views, public health expert and epidemiologist Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar asserted that making the vaccination mandatory is unnecessary.
Instead, he urged the government to focus on encouraging risk groups to consider taking the booster shot.
“While cases are increasing, it’s not a cause for worry. Although the effectiveness of vaccinations may diminish over time, the defence against the virus remains.
“Making the booster shot optional is a practical approach at this time,” he added.
He also noted that the low uptake of booster shots among the population could leave older adults and those with underlying conditions more vulnerable, suggesting these groups should consider the vaccination as a precautionary measure.
Former Malaysian Medical Association president, Datuk Dr N.K.S. Tharmaseelan also agreed that vaccination should remain a personal choice unless the situation reaches a critical level.
“I don’t think the government should impose this on the people unless the number of cases hits a worrying level.
“But those in risk groups and the elderly should consider them as they could be immunocompromised.
“In light of the recent resurgence of cases, it is only practical, sensible, and logical to take the vaccination,” he added.
Newly-appointed Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry will roll out a third Covid-19 booster due to the recent increase in cases, adding that the implementation will involve vulnerable groups, such as chronic patients and the elderly, who are at a higher risk of infection.
Transparency is crucial
These experts also agreed that the government’s transparency is crucial, especially amid talks that the government is clearing up existing vaccination supplies following the recent announcement of a third dose.
Sazaly said the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) is very strict with its regulations on drugs and medicine.
“Our NPRA is strict; they wouldn’t just allow the Health Ministry to give out expired vaccines to the people.
“Also, it is absolutely unethical for doctors and medical professionals to give expired vaccinations to the public, so this shouldn’t be an issue,” he added.
Admitting there was fear among the public, Zainal said the government should make public the details of the vaccine that will be given.
“People should know that the vaccine they ought to take is not expired and safe,” he added.
He noted that the Health Ministry has been efficiently managing drug use in the country.
“The government has destroyed many medicines, drugs, and vaccinations, including expired and unused Japanese encephalitis vaccines, which were thrown in the sea.
“However, it is pertinent for the ministry to be transparent with the people,” he added.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim assured that the current Covid-19 situation is not worrying; however, he urged people to be cautious.
It was reported that Covid-19 cases in the country had nearly doubled since the previous week, to 12,757 between December 3 and 9, compared to 6,796 cases between November 26 and December 2.
The ministry said the increase in cases is in line with the trend in other countries and that the majority of cases in Malaysia experienced mild symptoms and did not require hospitalisation.
Total admission of Covid-19 patients to health facilities for non-critical beds has increased to 1.4% at present.
There are also 26 new Omicron variants that have been reported worldwide.
Singapore which faced a sudden resurgence of Covid-19 cases in May, had also advised its people, especially individuals 60 and older, as well as those who are medically vulnerable, to receive the updated bivalent vaccine booster.
This is approximately one year after their last booster dose. They had begun receiving the booster as early as five months after their previous dose.
The World Health Organisation also recently recommended monovalent XBB.1.5 Covid-19 vaccines against currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants.
It said this recommendation is based on the current virus evolution and breadth of immune responses demonstrated by these vaccines against circulating variants. – December 15, 2023