THE Malacca Health Department today acknowledged that there has been confusion over its statement regarding a viral video of a teenage boy who collapsed at an Encore vaccination centre (PPV) car park in Klebang.

State deputy health director Dr Rusdi Abd Rahman in a statement today said the confusion arose as two similar incidents occurred at the same place and on the same day.

The first case involved a 13-year-old boy who arrived at the centre at 11.43am for a vaccination appointment. He was with his family.

Rusdi said the boy was administered the vaccine at 12.01pm, adding that the observation period ended at 12.20pm.

“During the vaccination process, the teenager was nervous, but no side effects were detected after the vaccination or during the observation period.

“However, while walking to the car park, the boy collapsed and was carried by his family members back to the PPV for further examination.”

He said an examination by a medical officer on duty found that the teenager was in stable condition and his vital signs are at normal levels, adding that the youth was allowed to return home after he was placed under observation for 30 minutes.

A follow-up phone call to the family found that the teenager was active and in good health, he added.

The second case involved a 12-year-old boy who arrived at the centre at 12.20pm for walk-in vaccination. He, too, was with his family.

Rusdi said the boy was administered the vaccine at 12.49pm.

“When he left the PPV, the teenager complained of headache and felt weak, and was brought back to the centre,” he said, adding that after an examination and 30-minute observation period, the boy was in stable condition and had normal vital signs.

“Further investigation revealed that he had slept late, at 2am. Apart from that, he had no appetite and had only a spoonful of nasi lemak that morning. He does not have any health problem or history of allergy, and has never been admitted to hospital.

“The incident was confirmed to have occurred due to nervousness, lack of sleep and not taking breakfast before the vaccination.”

Rusdi said the state Health Department and district health office will continue to monitor the health of the two boys and apologised for the confusion that arose.

He advised parents and guardians to ensure their children are well-rested and had breakfast before getting the Covid-19 jab. – Bernama, October 1, 2021.