PETALING JAYA: The February deadline for Sinovac and above 60 vaccine recipients to get their booster jab is too short, say public health experts.

       Universiti Malaya epidemiologist Prof Datuk Dr Awang Bulgiba Awang Mahmud said he was unsure whether there was enough time.

       “There are only two and a half months to the end of February with Christmas and Chinese New Year in between now and the end of February.

       “There would be quite a number to be vaccinated.

       “I think the Health Ministry should explain how they plan to ensure that everyone who is eligible is given a booster shot,” he said.

       Yesterday, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the vaccination status of those who received the Sinovac vaccine and anyone above 60 years old may be deemed “incomplete” if they did not get their Covid-19 booster shot by February.

       Khairy had said those whose status has been changed to “incomplete” would not be able to enjoy the benefits of those who have been deemed to have completed their vaccinations.

       Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia health economics, hospital and health management Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said there should be no penalties imposed on those who are unable to get the booster shots.

       “We know the immunocompromised, the elderly and those with high comorbidities are susceptible to have breakthrough infections. Thus, booster shots is an ideal way to improve the immunity. But, they cannot be penalised if the system does not support this.

       “For example, what if there is a glitch in the mySejahtera or if people cannot access the Internet,” she said.

       Instead, she said the government should create more awareness and encourage the public to get their boosters.

       Meanwhile, Medical Practitioners Coalition Association of Malaysia president Dr Raj Kumar Maharajah believed imposing such directive was not the way forward.

       “We do not support this kind of approach.

       “With the mutations of the virus in different forms and with the fact that after the second dose, antibodies wane, the booster dose is definitely necessary but I think we should be more compassionate and we should educate and advise the public as people are still very afraid of the vaccine and the whole situation,” he said.

       According to CovidNow, Sinovac comprised 37.1% of total doses administered in the country. Pfizer was the highest at 55.1%. AstraZenaca accounted for 7.4% of total doses administered while Cansino was at 0.4%.