KUALA LUMPUR – Senior citizens are advised to accept any Covid-19 vaccine that is being offered during their inoculation appointments, said minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
The National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme coordination minister said recipients are not allowed to choose the type of Covid-19 vaccine they want to receive.
It was reported that some elderly recipients have rejected the jabs offered to them during their appointments at vaccination centres (PPVs) after not being allowed to choose their preferred brand.
“Their appointments will be rescheduled but we have to tell them that, even if the appointments are rescheduled, they can’t choose the vaccine brand.
“So, there is no guarantee that you can get the Pfizer vaccine. Our recommendation is to take whatever vaccine that is offered to you,” he said after visiting the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) PPV today.
He said the World Health Organisation (WHO) has approved Sinovac and assured it is safe.
“Sinovac is now approved by the WHO. It provides high protection against death and against severe Covid-19. It is a good vaccine.
“So don’t be choosy.”
On June 1, the WHO validated Sinovac for emergency use, giving countries, funders, procuring agencies and communities the assurance that it meets international standards for safety, efficacy and manufacturing.
The vaccine is produced by the Beijing-based pharmaceutical company Sinovac. – The Vibes, June 7, 2021
