Vaccines, boosters keeping Omicron spread in check: Khairy

KUALA LUMPUR – The ramp-up in vaccination, in particular booster shots, has helped keep Covid-19 numbers manageable despite a surge in Omicron variant cases, according to Khairy Jamaluddin. 

The health minister said the push to get as many booster doses out as possible has ensured that the country is able to cope with any impending rise in cases, with infections not resulting in more serious outcomes. 

“More than a month ago, I said that we expect Omicron to become dominant here as it has elsewhere, and that when it did, cases would rise. That’s why we sped up our booster programme.

“We are now seeing the predicted quick rise in cases. However, there is no need to panic,” he posted on Twitter today. 

“There is strong indication of a decoupling between severe outcomes and cases. Our vaccination programmes – adults, adolescents, and soon children – are working well." 

According to Khairy, the capacity at public hospitals remains under control, adding that the Health Ministry is prepared to deal with a surge in infections. 

He said the current spread of the Omicron variant is unlike what the country experienced between June and September last year, when a record number of cases were registered almost on a daily basis. 

Then, the number of infections in June jumped from around 5,000 daily to a record 22,642 on August 25, with cases consistently above 10,000 throughout September. 

Hospitalisations and deaths also peaked during this period. 

Now, Khairy said Malaysia is better prepared to face a surge and better protected with vaccination. 

“We know what we have to do to protect the most vulnerable. That’s why we can shorten quarantine time, allow people to self-regulate and keep disruption to a minimum. 

“With more than 50% of adults (and almost 70% of the elderly) having gotten a booster shot, we have every hope that we can weather the Omicron wave with carefully calibrated and proportionate measures,” he said. 

Last week, Khairy had warned that the country should expect a surge in Covid-19 infections following the spread of the Omicron variant, but said the healthcare system is prepared. 

As of yesterday, Malaysia has 54,780 active cases, with 934 individuals currently admitted to hospital on a seven-day average. – The Vibes, February 1, 2022