[UPDATED] Second Covid-19 booster available for those aged 60, above: KJ

KUALA LUMPUR – Individuals aged 60 and above with comorbidities will be given an option to get their second booster shots some four to six months after their first booster jab, said Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

In a press conference at the Parliament building today, he said the second booster shot offer is voluntary, just like the first booster jab.

He added that healthy individuals above the age of 60 will be allowed to receive the second booster jabs after discussions with their doctor.

“For those who wish to travel abroad to countries that require a fourth dose or do not accept Sinovac/Sinopharm as booster shots, they are allowed to apply to the ministry to receive a second booster dose.”

Meanwhile, he said checking into premises via the MySejahtera app and wearing masks in public places remain in force, adding that the ministry has yet to detect Omicron variant XE in Malaysia.

He added that during the Omicron wave, 45% of casual contacts turned out to be positive and they were traced by the MySejahtera app, so it still has value as a contact-tracing solution.

However, in the next few weeks the ministry will decide whether MySejahtera check-ins are still required.

He added that close Covid-19 contacts who are asymptomatic no longer need to adhere to quarantine guidelines from April 22 onwards, even if they are not fully vaccinated.

Khairy said the second booster dose is also available for senior citizens previously infected with Covid-19, provided that three months has lapsed since recovering.

The second booster dose will also be offered to children aged 12 to 17 if they are moderately or severely immunocompromised. The booster shot will be administered at least 28 days after their second vaccination jab.

Additionally, the Health Ministry will arrange for second booster doses using vaccines other than Sinovac and Sinopharm for individuals planning to travel to countries that do not recognise the Chinese-made vaccines.

“Individuals intending to go abroad can get their second booster after at least one month has passed from their first booster dose,” Khairy said.

Review of self-test kits

The health minister said health authorities have revoked approval for use of two brands of Covid-19 self-test kits – Deepblue and Wiz Biotech, and are re-evaluating approvals for 20 other brands currently on the market.

“Specifically, we need all test kits to exceed 90% for specificity and sensitivity,” he said.

Meanwhile, Khairy said international travellers can perform the mandatory RTK-Ag test themselves with virtual supervision by a medical practitioner, removing the need to physically go to a clinic to have the test done.

Travellers, however, must engage a medical professional registered with the Malaysian Medical Council through a live video feed, and report the results of their tests on the e-Covid-19 platform, he said. – The Vibes, April 14, 2022