SENIOR citizens and those with comorbidities are strongly advised to cancel overseas travel and avoid crowded areas in light of the Omicron Covid-19 variant, said Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

“If it is possible, I advise you to cancel your trip but if it is not possible, make sure to always follow the standard operating procedures (SOP).

“The SOP set in European countries are slightly looser compared to Malaysia, so I advise to always mask up,” he said in a press conference at the Health Ministry today.

Khairy said that it was too early to buy improved vaccines to help combat the Omicron variant.

“As of now our strategy is to use the vaccine available here as the booster dose.

“When more studies are complete, we will look into purchasing vaccines if required,” he said.

Khairy said the ministry will increase the daily vaccination capacity from 120,000 to 150,000 to accommodate booster shots.

“We hope those who have received appointments for a booster dose will take their jabs.”

Khairy said the current booster interval will be retained for the time being, even though some countries have recently shortened it.

“If a situation rises to shorten the interval, we will make a special announcement when the time comes,” he said.

The government has yet to decide if it should make booster shots a condition for people to be considered fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

Earlier this week, Khairy said the Health Ministry was currently studying the experiences of other countries that have done so.

“Our experts are also looking into the effectiveness (of booster shots) and they will make recommendations to the Covid-19 immunisation task force,” he added. – December 1, 2021.