Malaysia’s fight to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic has yet to end as the country strives to ramp up vaccination efforts to immunise children aged 5 to 11.
Photo via Malay Mail
As such the Health Ministry has announced that starting March 7, the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine will be available at selected vaccination centres for recipients under the PICKids program.
According to its Deputy Minister, the Sinovac jab will be offered to children who are unable to receive the Pfizer vaccine due to health reasons.
Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali noted that it is also an option for parents if they do not agree to getting their kids immunised using the Pfizer vaccine.
Kids who receive the Sinovac jab will need two doses with an interval of four weeks to complete their vaccination.
Meanwhile, a consultant paediatrician says not only is the Sinovac vaccine effective in protecting children against COVID-19 infection, but it is also effective in lowering their admission into hospital and ICU.
Photo via Malay Mail
According to Dr See Kwee Ching from Sungai Buloh Hospital, the vaccine is around 75% effective in children aged 5 to 11.
He told Bernama that this is based on a study conducted in Chile which also found that the vaccine can lower hospital and ICU admissions by up to 77%.
As such he hopes parents will come forward to get their kids vaccinated to enable them to return to school safely.
Parents may refer to the list of selected centres that offer the Sinovac vaccine on these websites:
So far, more than 1 million children aged 5 to 11 have received their first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.
This means nearly 30% of kids in this age group are now partially immunised.
So, to all parents out there, please get your kids vaccinated as no child should have to suffer from the effects of the coronavirus. Stay safe!
By: Elle Firdouz
