PUTRAJAYA – Senior citizens who have gotten the first Covid-19 vaccine shots are reminded to continue observing standard operating procedures (SOPs), as they can still be infected with the virus, said Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
He said they should continue to wear masks when going out and practise social distancing because the vaccine would be fully effective two weeks after the second dose was administered.
“They (vaccinated senior citizens) can still be infected. As such, it is suggested that they continue to abide by SOPs and avoid the 3Cs i.e. crowded places, confined spaces and close conversations,” he told Bernama.
Dr Noor Hisham had earlier said that 40 healthcare personnel had contracted Covid-19 after completing their full dose of immunisation, with nine getting infected more than two weeks after vaccination and 31 within two weeks of their inoculation.
He said, however, those infected after being vaccinated showed only mild symptoms which were neither harmful nor life threatening.
“(The vaccine) gives internal protection while compliance to SOPs will offer external protection against Covid-19 infection,” he added.
Phase 2 of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme began on April 19, giving priority to senior citizens, persons with disabilities and people with chronic diseases. – Bernama, April 29, 2021
