Seek advice before giving Covid-19 booster shots, Sarawak urged

MIRI – Advice from medical experts must be sought first prior to the administering of Covid-19 booster shots or third dose, said former Miri hospital director.

Dr Uma Devi, a retired practitioner who is now a public health speaker, told The Vibes that there is a need for comprehensive studies on the booster shot or third dose proposal to ascertain the impact it has on people’s health.

“Do not rush through with the Covid-19 third dose or booster shots as this is a very new thing.

“There must be consultation with established medical and health experts first.

“Sarawak must seek advice from independent international experts who have experience in this field of medical studies.

“The Sarawak state government and the federal Health Ministry must consult the World Health Organisation too.

“Do not impose any mandatory policy for booster shots or third doses on the rakyat yet,” she said.

Dr Uma said that the prevailing statistics in Sarawak showed despite having a high vaccination rate, the number of new daily infections and deaths are increasing.

“This trend must be investigated thoroughly,” she said.

The fact that the Delta and other variants are getting more aggressive is also another matter which requires advice from international experts, she added.

Sarawak Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Hamzah said the booster, or third dose should be administered only if absolutely necessary.

Speaking at a public security event in Asajaya near Kuching yesterday, he said that caution should be practised to prevent harmful effects as a result of additional Covid-19 doses to the fully vaccinated.

Sarawak is asking that the state be prioritised in the dissemination of Covid-19 booster jabs or third doses to help contain the daily increase in new infections and deaths.

State Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas and committee advisor Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian have both said that the state has asked the Health Ministry for permission to start these additional jabs next month.

“We aim to start booster jabs in October.

“The vaccines for adolescents and teenagers aged 12 to 15 have arrived in Kuching.

“We hope the booster shots can commence too,” Dr Sim said.

Yesterday, the state recorded 3,619 new infections and eight deaths bringing the death toll to 697.

Kuching saw 1,021 new cases, Serian (315), Bintulu (302), Sibu (228), Miri (200), Samarahan (199), Sri Aman (198), Betong (137), Sarikei (102) and several other districts below 100 each. – The Vibes, September 21, 2021