KUALA LUMPUR – Students slated to sit the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination this year are unlikely to get their Covid-19 vaccination soon due to possible, but rare, side effects.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba told Utusan Malaysia studies have found that after receiving two doses, children aged 17 and below may develop myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart, and pericarditis (inflammation of tissues that form the sac around the heart).
However, the report did not mention which brand of vaccine he was referring to.
Dr Adham was quoted as saying although the side effects are rare, the government wants to wait for the latest data and studies from vaccine manufacturers.
Meanwhile, vaccination for Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) students will start this month, he said.
Almost 400,000 students are due to sit their SPM and STPM exams this year.
Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Ahmad Amzad Hashim today also said that the plan is to speed up vaccination for those who will sit for STPM.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to the vaccination centre at Dewan 2020 in Kangar, Perlis, he said candidates would get the jabs even though they have yet to reach 18 years old as indicated in their identity card, subject to permission from their parents.
On June 21, the Health Ministry said parents or guardians can start registering their children for vaccination via MySejahtera following approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech jab’s use on those over 12 years old.
This came after the Drug Control Authority on June 15 gave the nod for Pfizer-BioNTech doses to be administered to kids aged 12 and up under the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.
It is also part of the government’s bid to begin inoculating children in that age group by August.
The United States and European Union last month approved the use of the jab on minors aged 12 to 15, with Japan following suit in early July. – The Vibes, July 14, 2021
