MORE than 266,000 people in Sarawak have had their Covid-19 booster shots since the third dose vaccination drive started on October 13, according to the state disaster management committee.

The committee reminded those in the priority groups targeted in the first phase of the booster drive – those above 60 years, those with comorbidities and healthcare frontliners – that they can just walk in to any participating private vaccination clinic for their booster jab and no appointment is necessary.

The committee also reminded the public that those who had received the second Sinovac dose more than three months ago, or had received the Pfizer dose more than six months ago, can go for the booster jab.

In Malaysia, a total of 2,078,243 have been fully vaccinated,

Meanwhile, the state health department has told the incumbent for Bukit Assek, Irene Chang, that the Pfizer Biontech vaccine is used as booster shots in Sarawak – even on those who have been vaccinated with Sinovac – as it is the current policy of the health ministry.

The state’s deputy health director, Rosemawati Ariffin, was responding to Chang’s query as to why the Sinovac booster vaccine is available in Sabah but not in Sarawak.

Rosemawati said the Chinese-made booster jab will only be given when recipients show contraindication – symptoms or condition that makes a particular treatment or procedure inadvisable – or suffer allergies as a result of  the Pfizer vaccine.

The DAP lawmaker said many in the state who had taken the Sinovac vaccine were reluctant and very concerned about the mix-and-match policy.

She claimed that since 77.7% in the state were vaccinated with the Sinovac rather than the Pfizer, the Sinovac booster should have been made available.

Chang also pointed out no matter how much data the government shows as to the safety of the mix-and-match vaccine move, there will still be people who are not convinced.

She said that with the state election just round the corner, it will be irresponsible for the government not to have the Sinovac vaccine, as well as all other approved boosters, available. – November 12, 2021.