MIRI – The Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, Science, and Innovation is worried over the anticipated surge in Covid-19 infections next month, as well as the locals’ hesitancy on booster shots.
The committee urges those who are still wary on the jabs to obtain one as soon as possible.
Committee chairman Dr Kelvin Yii – who is also Bandar Kuching MP – said he had raised the matter during the round-up of the Dewan Rakyat session yesterday.
“In Parliament, I asked the health minister about his plans and strategies on the third dose.
“There is quite a high (rate of) hesitancy, especially for ‘mix-and-match’ or heterologous vaccinations.
“Even though there is real world data from Chile and research data from Thailand showing the benefits of Sinovac-Sinovac-Pfizer/AstraZenaca (AZ) on the increase of antibody levels, many people here are still hesitant.
“While I encourage people to trust the science and data, we cannot just ignore the concerns expressed by those worried over mixing vaccines.
“Sinovac must be allowed as a third dose.
“I’d rather get people to take a Sinovac booster dose, rather than none at all,” he said.
According to Dr Yii, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation from the World Health Organisation reportedly said Sinovac is a three-dose vaccine, and strongly encourages those who received Sinovac or Sinopharm as their vaccine to get a third dose.
“It is good that the (health) minister has announced that Sinovac and AZ will be allowed as booster shots.
“Those who had Pfizer should go for a booster after six months, same with AZ, (which is) also six months after the second dose.
“Those with Sinovac should go for a booster three months after the second dose,” said Sarawak DAP’s Dr Yii.
“We are seeing an increasing trend of cases nationwide, and are expecting a surge in December. Do stay safe.”
Miri MP Dr Michael Teo Yu Keng had earlier in the week told The Vibes that as many as 40% of Sarawakian adults are hesitant to go for Pfizer booster shots.
This is because they had two doses of Sinovac, and they want the same type for their booster or third dose, he said.
Sarawak is still seeing high fatality and infection rates, as the state heads towards the impending 12th state election. – The Vibes, November 20, 2021
