Most experts have called for a Covid-19 booster shot to be administered to Malaysians after multiple different strains of the virus have appeared across the world.
In response to the matter, the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has announced that the Malaysian government has agreed to the administration of the booster shots for the high-risk groups after 80% of the country’s population have been fully vaccinated.
The high-risk groups who will be prioritised for the booster shot include front line medical personnel, immunocompromised individuals, senior citizens with comorbidities, and those residing and working in long-term care facilities.
Meanwhile, he said a panel of medical and health experts were currently in the midst of developing guidelines for the implementation of this third dose.
“This third dose would be able to increase the immunity level of individuals at high-risk for Covid-19 infections, which may decrease over a period of time after their second vaccine dose.” he said, as reported by Malay Mail.
The booster shot is believed to provide additional protection to the recipient and to help maintain their level of immunity for longer.
Ismail then said all details of the Covid-19 booster shot will be announced by the Ministry of Health (KKM).
In a separate matter, Ismail said the government has allocated RM471.6 million for the “Covid-19 Care Package” (PPC) meant for Malaysians in the B40 income category.
He explained that the allocation is aimed at reducing the financial burden of the B40 households, in addition to assist them in protecting themselves from Covid-19, as the nation moves towards the endemic phase.
The items included in the PPC were 4 reusable face masks, 4 Covid-19 self test kits, 1 pulse oximeter, 1 thermometer and a user guideline and health brochures.
It is expected that 8.4 million eligible recipients of Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat (BPR) will receive the care package.
“Those who are married with or without children or single parents with children will be among the first recipients of the PPC.” he said, adding that there were around 3.6 million B40 households nationwide.
