PUTRAJAYA, Dec 18 — The existing supply of Covid-19 vaccines is still sufficient for those who want to get a booster dose, especially for those in high-risk groups or with comorbidities, said Health Director-General Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan.
Those seeking to get their booster shots only need to walk in or make an appointment at any government health clinic or hospital.
“Our vaccine stock is sufficient for the booster (dose) and anyone else who wants to be vaccinated,” he said during the special media conference on the latest Covid-19 situation today.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Health Deputy Director-General (Public Health) Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli also attended the media conference.
Asked about the new-generation Pfizer vaccine, Dr Radzi said the Health Ministry (MOH) is still procuring it from the suppliers.
“We are still in the procurement stage because it is new. This process will take time; in terms of supply, it is quite difficult now,” he said.
However, the existing vaccines are still effective and can protect people from the existing variants and sub-variants.
Dr Radzi said the MOH expects Covid-19 cases to continue to increase in the coming weeks as it is a global phenomenon.
The situation is still under control with stringent monitoring, and any surge in cases will end in four to six weeks.
On the steps the MOH took at Malaysia’s entry points, he said the public does not need to worry about the entrance of foreign tourists, especially Chinese nationals, since no new variants had been detected.
Meanwhile, Dr Norhayati said the MOH has conducted Covid-19 environmental surveillance using aircraft sewage since June last year, in line with the country’s transition to the endemic phase.
In addition, thermal scanners are placed at the country’s entry points for early detection of symptomatic individuals.
— Bernama
