Khairy: Senior citizens and Sinovac recipients must get their booster by 31st March to retain fully vaxxed status

Previously, it was announced that all senior citizens (aged 60 years old and above), as well as all adults fully vaccinated with Sinovac (two doses), must get their booster shot by end of February in order to retain their fully vaccinated status. During today’s press conference, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has announced a further extension until 31st March 2022.

Starting 1st April 2022, all senior citizens (regardless of vaccine) and all adults fully vaccinated with Sinovac who have not yet received their booster jab will have their “fully vaccinated” status changed to “not fully vaccinated” in MySejahtera. Without the fully vaccinated status, individuals will not be able to enter a wide range of premises including shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, and supermarkets.

Early this month, Khairy revealed there are 3.5 million individuals fully vaccinated with Sinovac who have not gotten their booster. Pfizer and AstraZeneca are currently the recommended booster options as data shows it offers higher levels of protection than Sinovac. At the moment, the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot under the National Immunisation Programme is available for free via walk-in. Individuals who insist on getting Sinovac, are able to choose Sinovac as their booster and it is currently offered at all offsite PPVs under ProtectHealth. You can find the full list of vaccination centres on ProtectHealth’s website.

According to COVIDNow, 97.5% of adults (22,946,057) in Malaysia are fully vaccinated but only 60.7% (14,274,843) have received their boosters as of 23rd February 2022. Yesterday, Malaysia recorded a record-high 31,199 new COVID-19 cases and over 99% of them are category 1 and 2, with mild or no symptoms.

Among the severe 194 COVID-19 cases (Category 3, 4 and 5) reported yesterday, 23.20% were not fully vaccinated and 55.67% were fully vaccinated without boosters. 47.42% are aged 60 years old and above and 46.91% have comorbidities. According to Khairy, booster doses have been proven effective in reducing COVID-19 deaths among those aged 70 years old and above. He urge everyone to get their parents and grandparents boosted as soon as possible.

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