COVID-19 vaccine side effects: Only 0.009% of total doses administered require medical treatment

During today’s National COVID-19 immunisation program update, Health Minister Dr Adham Baba has revealed the latest statistics on Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) for COVID-19 vaccines. From the start of the programme in February until 12th June 2021, less than 0.01% of the total doses administered require medical treatment or hospitalisation.

He said the Ministry of Health has received 29.3 responses for every 1,000 doses administered via MySejahtera for normal and minor AEFI. Most of the side effects reported including pain at the injection site, headache, tiredness and other symptoms that are common among vaccinated individuals.

Based on the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA)’s AEFI monitoring, 2.4 out of 1,000 doses (0.24%) had reported side effects. Meanwhile, 0.09 out of 1,000 doses (0.009%) were classified as serious which require medical treatment or hospitalisation.

He added a large number of severe cases require a short stay at the hospital and were discharged immediately after observation and receiving treatment. Malaysia has already administered 4.49 million vaccine doses as of yesterday and over 3 million people in Malaysia have received at least one dose, which is almost 10% of the population.

Dr Adham also reminded that there’s a vaccine injury scheme that provides compensation of up to RM500,000. The government has set up three committees to observe and assess the adverse reaction, namely Pharmacovigilance Committee, Technical Committee and a Special Assistance Steering Committee to provide approvals for the financial compensation.

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