COVID-19 vaccine update: Real world vaccine effectiveness in Malaysia

In the latest COVID-19 vaccine update, we will talk about the real world effectiveness of vaccines in preventing infections, ICU admissions and death due to COVID in Malaysia. And soon, Malaysians will be able to travel interstate and also abroad once 90% of total adults are fully vaccinated.

The Institute of Clinical Research has recently shared a study on the effectiveness of vaccines in Malaysia. Based on a sample size of nearly 1.3 million individuals, full vaccinations have reduced infections by 88% and ICU admissions by 83%.

The study also shows full vaccinations reduce the risk of death by 88%. Based on the breakdown, AstraZeneca has the highest effectiveness in cutting down the risk of COVID death by 96%, followed by Pfizer at 93% and Sinovac at 84%.

The Health Ministry has also announced that husbands will be allowed to accompany their wives in the delivery room during childbirth. However, this is only applicable to fully vaccinated husbands and they must be tested negative against COVID-19.

As Malaysia approaches 90% fully vaccinated rate for adults, the government is expected to lift restrictions for interstate travel as early as mid-October. The Prime Minister also announced that international travel could be permitted in December, or possibly earlier. Travellers going abroad would no longer be required to apply for MyTravelPass, however, the requirements for quarantine remains the same.

The COVID-19 vaccine update is also available in Bahasa Melayu on our SoyaCincau BM channel.