KUALA LUMPUR: The public is urged to refrain from jumping to conclusions on the case of the 13-year-old boy who allegedly died due to vaccination, say medical groups.

       Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr Koh Kar Chai said deaths occurring due to vaccinations would have to be thoroughly investigated first.

       The report on the incident has yet to be released so no conclusions can be made yet, Dr Koh told the media at a conference held at Wisma MCA on Tuesday (March 1).

       Also present were Private Practitioner Section (PPS) chairman Dr Balachandran S. Krishnan and MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong.

       Dr Koh added that incidences of adverse effects from immunisation were extremely rare.

       Dr Balachandran said until Feb 11, the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) has received 1,747 cases of adverse reactions due to vaccines, including severe and mild cases.

       "Out of 592 death cases, 443 have been investigated and they were not related to the vaccination. The NPRA is still investigating the remaining cases.

       "Let’s wait for the detailed report before we can make a stand on it," he said.

       Additionally, Chong emphasised that the MMA would be transparent with the public regarding death cases due to vaccinations.

       "The MMA has representatives on the board so they will be following the death cases closely.

       "We will not cover anything up and we will tell you what we know based on the reports," said Chong.

       Dr Koh urged parents to seek advice from their doctors instead of social media when deciding to vaccinate their children.