According to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, vulnerable groups such as senior citizens and people with comorbidities like diabetes and high blood pressure should receive a third booster shot of a Covid-19 vaccine.
He emphasized that the third dose, also known as the additional dose, is recommended for high-risk groups, especially those with non-communicable diseases (NCD).
During a press conference at Parliament, Dr Dzulkefly highlighted the need for extra precautions given the recent surge in Covid-19 cases. He advised the public, especially those with symptoms, to wear masks and avoid crowded places to protect themselves and others.
He also mentioned that the five-day quarantine period for positive cases is still in effect.
Furthermore, Dr Dzulkefly assured that the Health Ministry has sufficient vaccine supplies in inventory, as announced at the ministry’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya earlier.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan disclosed an alarming increase in Covid-19 cases, rising from 6,796 cases two weeks ago to 12,757 last week.
Despite the availability of vaccines, the uptake for second booster shots remains low, with only 2.5% of the targeted population having received the inoculation.
Read More: Covid-19: Enough vaccines, govt might issue ‘instructions’ on booster shots, says Dr Dzul