MIRI – The status of Sinovac booster shots for Sarawak is now in limbo, following inconsistent statements.
Former Sarawak Disaster Management Committee adviser Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian today said the Health Ministry has allotted both Pfizer and Sinovac for the state, but government hospitals and clinics will only dispense Pfizer, not Sinovac.
“Only private health facilities will offer Sinovac, but in limited amounts, and if Sinovac is taken up, the only option left is Pfizer,” he said in his social media postings.
“There is free Pfizer or Sinovac that is available as a booster dose now in Sarawak.
“The latest policy is that anyone aged above 18 in Sarawak can get the doses starting today,” said the state Health Department.
Dr Sim said the public will have to arrange MySejahtera appointments, or call the respective participating clinics or private medical centres for appointments.
“I was told that the Sarawak Health Department has allocated the vaccines in a 70% Pfizer, 30% Sinovac ratio.
“You may not be able to have your choice of vaccine, if the allocated quota is finished (for the day),” he said.
Dr Sim said public vaccination centres, government hospitals, and health clinics in Sarawak only have free Pfizer booster doses.
“Nonetheless, we thank the state Health Department for making both vaccines available for booster doses.
“A good vaccine is one that is in the body, rather than sitting on the shelf.
“Let’s (all) get a booster. Together, we shall overcome Covid-19,” he said.
Sarawakians – who have had Sinovac as their two doses – have been waiting for months to get the Sinovac booster jab.
For the past few months, only Pfizer has been made available. The lack of specific details from Dr Sim on the availability of Sinovac booster doses has caused confusion among locals.
Netizens were spotted asking Dr Sim to be clearer on where to go for Sinovac booster shots.
“Where can I go specifically if I want to get Sinovac now, and what are the names of the clinics in all the districts where we can get Sinovac?” queried netizen Nicole Bella.
Another netizen, Oi Hui Shang, asked if he can just walk into any clinic that is nearest to him.
“I am more than 60 years old and I want to go to the clinic nearest to my house. Can I just walk into the clinic and ask for a Sinovac booster?”
Dr Sim has yet to reply to any queries posted on his Facebook page. – The Vibes, December 1, 2021
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