This shows that two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine are highly effective and protective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and likely sufficient for the general population. Malaysia’s own Real-World Evaluation of Covid-19 Vaccines under the Malaysia National Covid-19 Immunisation Program ( Recovam) study has shown strong protection from the three main vaccines used (AstraZeneca/Oxford, Pfizer/BioNTech and Sinovac) against infection, symptomatic disease and ICU (intensive care unit) admission. The primary goal of vaccination is to confer immunity on the entire population. Here, we propose five ways to strengthen Malaysia’s booster strategy and support public health outcomes.įirstly, we need to strengthen our ongoing primary vaccination series. Therefore, it is crucial for Malaysia to implement an effective, nuanced and targeted booster strategy. We have enough vaccines for approximately 110% of our population, but that number may be under-counting our actual population and boosters may deplete our supplies. However, the world continues to face shortages of Covid-19 vaccines.Īlthough vaccine shortages are worse in low-income countries, middle-income countries like Malaysia are not spared. They are: those aged 65 years and above, those who are at high risk of severe Covid-19, and those with frequent exposure to Covid-19.įollowing this, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced the rollout of booster doses in Malaysia from this month (October 2021) onwards for selected targeted groups.
As we transition into an endemic Covid-19 stage, booster vaccine doses are inevitable.įor example, on Sept 22 (2021), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a single Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine booster dose for three groups of people six months after they complete their primary vaccination series.