PUTRAJAYA, Dec 18 — The existing supply of COVID-19 vaccines is still sufficient for those who want to get a booster dose, especially for those in high-risk groups or with comorbidities, said Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan.
He said those seeking to get their booster shots only need to walk in or make an appointment at any government health clinic or hospital.
“Our vaccine stock is sufficient for the booster (dose) and anyone else who wants to be vaccinated,” he said at the special media conference on the latest COVID-19 situation here today.
The media conference was also attended by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Health deputy director-general (Public Health) Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli.
Asked about the new-generation Pfizer vaccine, Dr Muhammad Radzi said the Ministry of Health (MOH) is still procuring it from the suppliers.
“We are still in the procurement stage because it is new. This process will take time, in terms of supply, it is quite difficult now,” he said.
However, Dr Muhammad Radzi said the existing vaccines are still effective and can protect people from the existing variants and sub-variants.
He said the MOH expects COVID-19 cases to continue to increase in the coming weeks as it is a global phenomenon.
He also said that the situation is still under control with stringent monitoring and any surge in cases will end in four to six weeks.
On the steps taken by the MOH at the country’s entry points, Dr Muhammad Radzi said the public need not be concerned about the entrance of foreign tourists, especially Chinese nationals, since no new variants had been detected.
Meanwhile, Dr Norhayati said the MOH has carried out environmental surveillance of COVID-19 using aircraft sewage since June 2022 in line with the country’s transition to the endemic phase.
In addition, she said thermal scanners are placed at the country’s entry points for early detection of symptomatic individuals.
