KUALA LUMPUR – The government will open special vaccination centres here and in Selangor for people to voluntarily receive the AstraZeneca Covid-19 jab, following concern about the vaccine.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin told a press conference today that Putrajaya is aware of the rakyat’s worry, and will divert 268,600 vaccine doses to these two states given that their coronavirus caseloads are among the country’s highest.
“(Datuk Seri) Dr Adham (Baba) and I had an in-depth discussion about the AstraZeneca vaccine.
“We don’t want to waste this vaccine, as studies have shown that it is effective and safe.
“But at the same time, we understand the current situation, where science and facts may perhaps not be able to overcome (public) concern due to fake news that has gone viral.
“After our discussion, we decided to still use the AstraZeneca vaccine, but we must address public fear.
“So, today, we announce that the AstraZeneca vaccine will not be used at normal vaccination centres. It won’t be used for mainstream Covid-19 immunisation.”
He said the authorities will open special vaccination centres deploying the AstraZeneca jab.
Members of the public can receive it voluntarily by making appointments on a first-come, first-served basis.
These special centres will not be limited to Phase 2 of the national inoculation drive, but open to all those who are comfortable receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine. Those interested must sign a consent form prior to vaccination.
Khairy stressed that people who registered via MySejahtera for vaccination will be given only the Pfizer or SinoVac vaccine, not AstraZeneca’s.
Earlier in the presser, the minister said studies have shown that the risk of blood clots after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine is 0.0004%, or four cases per million, or one case for every 250,000 shots.
“The risk of blood clots after being infected with Covid-19 is 16.5%.
“The risk of blood clots from smoking is 0.18%, while for those taking birth control pills, it is between 0.05% and 0.12%.
“The risk of blood clots from the AstraZeneca vaccine is four cases in one million, or 0.0004%.
“Therefore, the risk is less than that of smokers, and of those taking birth control pills.”
Nonetheless, he urged those who experience adverse side effects one or two days after being administered the vaccine to quickly seek treatment. – The Vibes, April 28, 2021
