KUALA LUMPUR – The Health Ministry has yet to conclude whether the 18 Kajang Prison inmates’ recent health complications were adverse effects following immunisation (Aefi) from Covid-19 vaccinations.
During a press conference today, Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said 10 of the cases had nothing to do with vaccinations.
However, he said three cases had a possibility of being related to side effects, while another five were still under investigation.
He added that the cases under investigation included two deaths.
“Investigations are still being carried out and we hope to receive a full report on the matter soon.”
On January 4, the minister confirmed the occurrence of suspected Aefi in the prison affecting 18 inmates, two of whom have since died.
Dr Roshayati Mohamad Sani, director of the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency’s (NPRA) Regulatory Department, said the agency is aware of the reports detailing suspected Aefi among the inmates.
NPRA, which falls under the Health Ministry, has launched an investigation into the matter after being alerted about it by a circular from the prison.
Roshayati said the ministry through NPRA is constantly monitoring reports of Aefi stemming from the various vaccines being administered here.
The statement was issued in response to a letter by Hulu Langat district health officer Dr Zailiza Suli that went viral.
It is believed that it was meant only for internal circulation as it detailed the 18 cases of Aefi reported among prisoners.
The letter dated November 30 said 16 of the 18 affected prisoners were given the Pfizer vaccine while two were jabbed with CanSino.
They were among the 2,782 inmates housed there who were given Pfizer vaccines and 1,260 who received CanSino. The prison houses a total of 4,185 inmates. – The Vibes, January 20, 2022
