Immunocompromised kids to receive special Covid-19 vaccine: Khairy

KUALA LUMPUR – Children aged between six months and five years old who are severely immunocompromised or have comorbidities will soon begin to receive Covid-19 vaccinations, said Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin. 

In a statement today, Khairy said the ministry has begun the procurement process for the vaccines, which are made up of a special formulation specifically made for children in the age group.

He indicated that this was based on recommendations by the ministry’s Technical Working Committee for the Covid-19 vaccine.

Khairy added that children aged between five to 12, who are also immunocompromised with comorbidities, will be provided with their first booster shots within six to nine months after their previous vaccination dose. 

“These children are at high risk of being badly infected with Covid-19. The first booster shot will increase the effectiveness of the vaccine against severe illness caused by the Omicron variant,” he said. 

However, Khairy did not reveal the exact date that the vaccines will arrive and be administered on.

Khairy also said pregnant and breastfeeding women can receive primary and booster shots of the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) Covid-19 vaccine. 

“For women who are at risk of severe Covid-19 ailments, they can also receive their second booster dose at any time of their pregnancy,” he said, adding that the recommendation is in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) which has also endorsed second booster shots for pregnant women. 

“The existing data shows that the mRNA vaccine effectively reduces the risk of critically catching Covid-19 when pregnant. The antibodies produced after a pregnant woman receives the vaccine are also detected in the baby, protecting them from being infected by Covid-19.” 

He also said that current data on vaccine safety shows that there is no increased risk of miscarriage, pregnancy complications, or birth defects for women who receive the mRNA vaccine. 

Meanwhile, he said certain groups can only receive the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine for their booster shots, including those aged 50 years old and above, healthcare workers, and pregnant, or breastfeeding women. 

Moderately and severely immunocompromised individuals aged 12 and above, as well as those aged 18 and above with comorbidities, and who were at high risk of acute illnesses, were also mentioned in the category.

Earlier today, Khairy announced that effective immediately, face masks will no longer be mandatory indoors, except on public transport and in healthcare facilities. 

Those who are symptomatic or Covid-19 positive, however, must continue wearing masks, he said. – The Vibes, September 7, 2022