Covid-19: Over 11,000 adults aged 60 years and above given second booster shot
PETALING JAYA: A total of 11,653 adults aged 60 years and above received their voluntary second booster shot as of Wednesday (May 11) through the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.
The second booster shot for the elderly was given free following the announcement by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin that all adults aged above 60 years old could now obtain a second dose of the Covid-19 booster after four to six months from their first booster dose.
ProtectHealth Corporation (ProtectHealth) chief executive officer, Datuk Dr Anas Alam Faizli said in a statement that obtaining a second booster shot would allow the elderly avoid severe symptoms and hospitalisation due to Covid-19.
“Studies have shown that vaccine efficacy against hospitalisation is favourable for at least five months.
“However, two doses of Covid-19 vaccine during primary series with a booster still provide durable protection against the most severe outcomes in adults.
“If you’re helping the senior citizens and those high-risk individuals to obtain their second booster dose, you’re taking a huge step towards safeguarding your health and the health of your family, neighbours, and the community,” he said.
He added that ProtectHealth through private medical practitioners and healthcare NGOs would continue to assist and work together with the health ministry to maximise and expedite the implementation of the second booster dose and encourage medical practitioners to participate in the programme.
Previously, Khairy announced that adults aged 18 to 59 years old and adolescents aged 12 to 17 years old with clinical risk of severe disease (chronic heart, lung, kidney, liver and others) who have high risk of developing severe symptoms or even succumbing to death due to Covid-19 infection can also obtain their second booster dose after four to six months from their first booster dose as advised by a medical professional.
It was also announced on Thursday (May 13) that the deadline for obtaining the first dose of the National Immunisation Programme for Children has been extended to May 31.