KUALA LUMPUR – Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has urged all quarters, especially Sinovac vaccine recipients, to get their Covid-19 booster shots when they can.
On Twitter yesterday, Khairy noted that the Sinovac vaccine, although generally effective, becomes less potent compared to others over time.
Why a shorter booster interval for Sinovac (3 months) vs Pfizer/AZ (6 months)? While Sinovac is effective, there is evidence it’s effectiveness wanes sooner. This is Cat 4 & 5 weekly admission into Hosp Sg Buloh. That’s why we want you to take whatever booster is on offer. pic.twitter.com/Fo1FVgwXpL
— Khairy Jamaluddin ??? (@Khairykj) November 20, 2021
He pointed to a shorter booster interval for Sinovac, which is three months compared to six months for Pfizer and AstraZeneca.
“While Sinovac is effective, there is evidence it’s effectiveness wanes sooner.”
In the posting, Khairy shared an infographic on weekly Categories 4 and 5 admissions to Sg Buloh Hospital in Selangor between the epidemiological weeks (ME) 35 and 45.
The graphic showed markedly higher admissions of patients who are among Sinovac recipients.
On the 45th ME alone, the hospital saw 165 admissions of Sinovac recipients, compared to 24 patients who received the Pfizer shot, and only seven administered with AstraZeneca.
“That’s why we want you to take whatever booster is on offer,” Khairy said. – The Vibes, November 21, 2021