KUALA LUMPUR – Newly minted Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has clarified that the third Covid-19 booster shot to be rolled out by the government is not to be imposed on every individual.
He reiterated that it is encouraged for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with comorbidities.
The Kuala Selangor MP said this after claiming several media outlets had misquoted him following the ministry’s monthly assembly earlier today by reporting that the booster shot would be applied to everyone.
“I noticed that some (reports) said that I meant (booster shorts are) across the board. I said that high-risk groups – such as the elderly and those with comorbidities – are encouraged to take their third dose.
“I did not mean that (the dose is for everyone), but it seems that it was reported as such,” he told a press conference at Parliament, today.
Dr Dzulkefly underscored the importance of wearing face masks, especially during the ongoing holiday season.
He also advised those showing Covid-19 symptoms to avoid “3C areas,” which are crowded places, close-contact settings, as well as confined and enclosed spaces.
At the same time, the ministry would continuously monitor Covid-19 spikes and issue safety measures accordingly, he added.
Yesterday, the ministry said Covid-19 cases had nearly doubled since the previous week to 12,757 between December 3 and 9, compared to 6,796 cases between November 26 and December 2.
It added that the increase in cases is in line with the trend in other countries, and that the majority of cases in Malaysia experienced mild symptoms and did not require hospitalisation.
Total admission of Covid-19 patients to health facilities for non-critical beds has increased to 1.4% at present.
Meanwhile, 26 new Omicron variants have also been reported worldwide. – December 14 2023