THE third injection of the Covid-19 vaccine or booster shot has started in Penang since Oct 18.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said priority for the booster shot would be first administered to medical frontliners, after which, to those with comorbidities and then the senior citizens.
A total of 46 private clinics and eight private hospitals in Penang are also listed as the Covid-19 vaccination centres for eligible individuals to receive their booster shots.
The booster jab also has drawn various perspectives from the public and health professionals.
Below are the comments given by them during interviews conducted by the Buletin Mutiara team today.
Abdul Rahman Hamzah (30, technician):
“We should not be worried about the booster shots as the Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has already given an assurance that it will not be mandatory.
“Our vaccination status also will not be affected if we choose not to take the third dose.
“So, if we are fully vaccinated, our status will remain as it is and will not be affected.
“But for me, I will definitely take the booster shot once the Federal Government open it to the whole population as I believe the benefits still outweigh the risks.”
Alia Natasha Abdul (31, beautician):
“For me, the Federal Government should stop the third dose programme as we are still lacking in terms of scientific data to show that the booster shot is safe for all types of ages and those in high risk groups.
“The Government should postpone it until there is enough data of third dose vaccine recipients from other countries.”
Dr Mohana Krishna (Medi-Genesis Clinic chief):
“Firstly, the public should know that scientific data in several countries have shown that immunity against the Covid-19 virus wanes after six months.
“So, when the immunity decreases, the risk of infection among those who have been vaccinated increases.
“Thus, this is why the booster shot is needed.
“I’m of the opinion that as of now, the third dose is necessary but this has to be based on the individual’s risk of getting severe infection.”
Dr Nur Kaisara Rosli (Kita Clinic chief):
“In principle, I agree with the move by the Federal Government to start the third dose.
“However, more studies are also needed in order for us to know if there is a need to give booster shots to the whole population.
“Perhaps, after the high risk groups have received their third jab, maybe we can have more local data by then.
“Then, only after that the Federal Government will decide whether to give the booster shots for the general population or not.”
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi