KUALA LUMPUR – The cabinet has agreed to set up a compensation scheme for those suffering from serious side effects of the Covid-19 vaccine, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
Khairy acknowledged that there are various testimonials about side effects – some adverse – but said there is no causality with immunisation.
“For compensation, one must prove that there is causality between the side effects and vaccine.”
Khairy said those who are planning to not take the vaccine should reconsider their decision as getting the jab will not only protect themselves, but others too, and urged the public to get vaccinated when registration opens next month.
He said by March 29, Malaysia will have more than one million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine – with the first batch arriving tomorrow, the second batch on March 1, and others on March 8, 15 and 22.
Those expected to be immunised in the first round are medical and non-medical frontliners, such as doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers, hospital cleaners, police, as well as personnel from the Prisons, Immigration, Fire and Rescue and Welfare Departments.
Yesterday, Khairy was in a Clubhouse discussion – Let’s Talk About Covid-19 Vaccines – with various subject matter experts.
The discussion was moderated by Dr Helmy Haja Mydin (Pantai Hospital lung centre head and pulmonologist).
Joining Khairy were Dr Kalaiarasu Peariasamy of the Vaccine Selection Technical Working Group, Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood (special advisor to the prime minister), Dr Giri Rajahram (an infectious diseases physician) and Dr Akhmal Yusof (Clinical Research Malaysia CEO).
Among the topics discussed were efficacy of different vaccines, roll-out schedules, safety concerns, education and awareness, as well as logistical challenges.
Countering a common misconception that the Covid-19 shot will prevent a total infection of the coronavirus, Dr Kalaiarasu said a vaccine prevents patients from suffering severe symptoms.
“A person who is vaccinated will have reduced symptoms compared to someone who is infected and not inoculated.”
Because of this, he said, Malaysians may still be required to adhere to standard operating procedures, including wearing face masks, social distancing and travel restrictions.
He said studies have shown that the swab tests of those who have been inoculated display lower virus loads.
“The way we look at vaccines is whether they prevent severe forms of the disease.
“All these vaccines have a common denominator – they prevent death and serious illnesses,” said Dr Kalaiarasu, who is also Clinical Research Institute director.
Dr Jemilah said people should consider the “long Covid-19 symptoms”, as the virus does not affect only the respiratory system, but also the neurological system.
“We are dealing with a virus behaving in an unusual way. Even if you are well, you must protect others.”
The first batch of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is due to arrive tomorrow morning, and vaccinations are scheduled to start on February 26 with Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin among the first recipients. – The Vibes, February 20, 2021
