PETALING JAYA: Those wanting the Sinovac vaccine for their boosters are relieved that the government is finally allowing them their choice.

       Before the announcement last week, some had even planned to buy the Sinovac vaccine from private clinics.

       Goh K.Y, 49, from Petaling Jaya, said she decided to get her 86-year-old mother vaccinated with Sinovac for her booster as her first two doses were also from the same brand.

       “The mechanism used in the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines are different. The side effects of Sinovac are also milder.

       “I received the Pfizer for my vaccination and the side effects were so bad. I did not want the same to happen to my mother.

       “So, I decided to bring her for the walk-in,” said Goh, who were among those who turned up at the Centrepoint Bandar Utama off-site vaccination centre (PPV) for their Sinovac shots yesterday.

       Goh said she had rejected her mother’s earlier appointments given through MySejahtera for booster dose and even planned to buy the Sinovac vaccine from private clinics.

       “I’m glad that the government is finally allowing walk-ins for the Sinovac vaccine,” she said.

       Retired consultant Callab Lim, 68, said despite getting Pfizer for his primary jabs, he decided to walk in for Sinovac instead as he was worried about the side-effects.

       “I have a heart condition. I am happy that the public is given the chance to choose the type of vaccines they prefer,” he said.

       His wife, Belinda Lim, 64, who also received the Sinovac as her third shot at the same PPV, said she was concerned about mixing the vaccine brands.

       KL Gateway Mall off-site PPV head staff Zulkarnain Md Zaini said the centre had received a number of calls over the Sinovac vaccine since the announcement.

       Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced on Feb 7 that recipients of the Sinovac primer doses could now pick the same brand for their boosters.

       Zulkarnain said as of noon yesterday, there had been an increase in the number of people who requested for Sinovac.

       “The PPV is now offering two vaccines, namely Pfizer and Sinovac. We understand that Pfizer is prioritised as it’s proven to be more effective. However, we still offer Sinovac for those who prefer it.

       “We have doctors who will advise the people regarding their choice of vaccines,” he added.

       Shanty Dass, an account director from Kuala Lumpur, said she was happy to hear the ministry’s announcement, adding that she had a medical precondition.

       “I was advised by my doctor to get Sinovac as it has the mildest side effect. Unfortunately, despite requesting from MySejahtera, I was still offered other brands for my third jab.

       “I paid for my primary doses at private clinics and I was ready to pay for the third one too. I was delighted to hear that finally, the ministry is allowing the public to choose Sinovac as a booster,” said the 45-year old.

       “Each one of us is unique. Our reactions towards each vaccine is not a blanket one and we react differently. Giving us the freedom to choose was a good move,” she added.