[UPDATED] MoH issues guidelines for second Covid-19 booster shot

KUALA LUMPUR – The Health Ministry today announced guidelines for the second booster shot for senior citizens and citizens who will be travelling abroad.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said that individuals aged 60 and above will have to fulfil several criteria, including having received their first booster dose at least four to six months prior.

“For individuals who have received their first booster shot and were infected with Covid-19, they can receive their second booster shot after three months of recovering,” he said in a statement.

Individuals aged 18 and older who will be travelling overseas will also be eligible for a second booster shot to ensure they meet entry requirements of the country they will be visiting. However, they need to have taken their first booster dose at least one month prior.

Booster shots will also be prepared for high-risk adolescents aged between 12 and 17 years of age, provided their condition is verified by a medical expert to be either moderate or severely immunocompromised and have been fully vaccinated a minimum 28 days before.

Khairy said senior citizens can opt to confirm an appointment for their second booster jab through MySejahtera, which will today release a link to qualified individuals that can then be used to book a slot at listed vaccination centres (PPV).

Care centres for the elderly can also submit applications for second booster shots to nearby district health offices.

Medical practitioners in government and private hospitals not on the PPV list must conduct a pre-vaccination assessment (PVA) before referring patients to hospitals operating as PPVs.

“For teenagers who qualify but were not offered a second booster dose, they can be brought to a healthcare personnel for a PVA and then directed to a public or private hospital, private paediatric clinics or clinics with a specialist operating as PPVs,” Khairy said.

Those intending to travel can do walk-ins at any operating PPV without a prior appointment, bringing along relevant documentation such as proof of flight tickets and travel documents.

Last week, Khairy had said that the second booster shot is voluntary, just like the first booster jab. – The Vibes, April 22, 2022