KUALA LUMPUR – The government has no plans to make Covid-19 booster shots mandatory for now.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin today said those who do not receive booster doses do not have to worry about their “fully vaccinated” status on the MySejahtera app.
“The booster shot or lack thereof will not affect your status as ‘fully vaccinated’.
“The booster shots will be offered to groups we feel are qualified to get it, but it’s not compulsory or mandatory,” he told a press conference after a visit to Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) today.
Additionally, he said the purchase of 150,000 courses of Merck Sharp & Dohme’s molnupiravir oral antiviral drug for use against Covid-19 was made given there are breakthrough infections among the fully vaccinated.
He added that this pill will be used to treat patients experiencing Category 3, 4 or 5 Covid-19 infections and exhibit symptoms for five days.
“We purchased 150,000 courses, and we feel this is the right amount based on our projections,” he said, confirming the drug will be given free to patients.
Meanwhile, he expressed plans to make HKL a national referral centre operator following international standards.
“We want to ensure any development planning will make HKL ready for the next 150 years.
“Planning must start now and currently, there is an ongoing project to improve the hospital’s emergency department and National Forensic Institute building.
“We will also request the Economic Planning Unit consider improving the paediatric institute and the old maternity hospital under 12th Malaysia Plan.”
HKL recently celebrated its 151st anniversary since it was founded in 1870. – The Vibes, October 7, 2021
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