KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 28): Due to the spread of the Covid-19 Omicron variant, recipients of the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines will now have their wait time for booster doses halved to three months.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said appointments for the booster vaccinations will be decided based on criteria such as health status and de-escalation.
Previously, it was recommended that Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccine recipients wait six months after their second dose for the booster, while those inoculated with Sinovac vaccines only had to wait three months.
"For seniors and adults who have received all types of vaccines, whether Pfizer, AstraZeneca or Sinovac, it is strongly recommended that they receive the booster vaccines at least three months after their initial vaccination.
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"This includes individuals with comorbidities, residents and staff in healthcare facilities, and adults 18 years and older who have received a booster at least three months after the initial vaccination, based on an age-deescalating approach, starting at 50 years and above, 40 years and above, and then 18 years and above," Khairy said at a press conference on Tuesday (Dec 28).
Khairy pointed out that the results of the clinical trial and real-world studies, including the Real-World Evaluation of Covid-19 Vaccines under the Malaysian National Covid-19 Immunisation Program (RECoVaM), showed that the vaccines' effectiveness against Covid-19 infections has declined over time.
Recent data also showed that Omicron variants can cause increased transmission of infection, higher viral binding affinity, and higher antibody escape than vaccine-induced immunity or natural infections.
"In addition, strong evidence has emerged in the last three weeks that the Covid-19 booster vaccine likely increases protection against Omicron variant infections. Preliminary studies of 21 million booster doses conducted in the UK have shown very convincing safety data.
"Accordingly, regulatory authorities in the UK, Canada and Australia, as well as a panel of health experts, now recommend that the timing interval for booster vaccination can be as early as three months after receiving the primary vaccine," he added.