COVID-19: 5 Big Questions About The Vaccine

What is a vaccine?

Vaccines contain antigens to stimulate your body’s ability to fight infections and form immunity against specific infectious diseases.

covid-19: 5 big questions about the vaccinePhoto via NDTV.com

What is the COVID-19 Vaccine?

The COVID-19 vaccine stimulates the immune system so that if we are exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, the body can respond to COVID-19 infection. Various platforms such as RNA genetic sequencing, viral vectors, deactivating viruses and protein sub-units have been used to provide safe and effective coronavirus vaccines. It gives you the best protection against COVID-19.

Information you need to know before receiving the vaccine.

Tell your doctor or nurse before you are vaccinated if you are:

  • Individuals with severe allergies

  • Pregnant individuals and nursing mothers

  • COVID-19 positive individuals

  • Individuals with immune system problems

What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?

The side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine that have been reported are mild and temporary. The most commonly reported side effects are:

  • pain / swelling / redness at the injection site

  • Tired

  • Headache

  • shivering

  • joint pain

  • fever

  • nausea

  • feeling unwell

  • swelling of the lymph nodes

  • side effects that may be reported from time to time

Side effect monitoring / Side Effects Immunization (AEFI) will be conducted through enhanced surveillance where vaccine recipients will be given scheduled notifications / reminders through the MySejahtera application to report any AEFI experienced. AEFI reporting can also be made by health workers through the existing system.

A serious investigation into AEFI will be conducted carefully, with a special expert committee set up to assess AEFI cases and safety issues related to the COVID-19 vaccine.

covid-19: 5 big questions about the vaccinePhoto via Bangkok Post

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe and effective?

Yes, all COVID-19 vaccines approved by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Division (NPRA) for use in Malaysia are safe and effective.

NPRA is the body responsible for evaluating vaccines to be registered in Malaysia. So far, the COVID-19 vaccine for Malaysia has been given conditional approval based on strict standards compliance through the evaluation of scientific, clinical and technical data. The Drug Control Authority (PBKD) will approve the use of the vaccine for Malaysia based on the results of the NPRA assessment.

The registration process for the COVID-19 vaccination for the public will commence on March 1st, and here’s how you can do so.

Stay safe, everyone!

By: Kyle Roshen Jacob

RELATED ARTICLES