PETALING JAYA: Senior citizens need to get booster shots because the benefits of vaccination are greater with older people, say health experts.

       While the vaccines generally reduce the risk of severe disease, the absolute risk reduction is higher for older folk and those with chronic diseases, said Universiti Malaya professor of epidemiology and public health Dr Sanjay Rampal.

       “I would recommend the booster dose for those above 50 due to the higher absolute risk reduction,” he said.

       Absolute risk reduction refers to the percentage of how much lower the risk would be with protective measures.

       Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had said on Feb 7 that about one million citizens aged 60 and above have not gotten their booster shots yet.

       He said they could lose their fully vaccinated status on March 1 if they do not do so.

       Malaysian Public Health Physicians’ Association president Dr Mohamed Rusli Abdullah said there are a host of factors contributing to senior citizens’ hesitancy towards booster doses, such as misinformation, and concerns over safety and adverse side effects.

       He said some preferred Sinovac’s CoronaVac as a booster and were reluctant to get Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines because they were worried about contraindications.

       However, he added that unless there is more evidence on contraindications involving vaccines, it is best to heed the government’s call for the booster shots.

       Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Koh Kar Chai called for those who have reservations about getting booster jabs to consult their family doctors.

       “For older persons and others in the high-risk group, it would be best to consult a doctor on whether they can receive the booster and which type of vaccine would be suitable for them,” he said.

       Apart from side effects, some senior citizens are concerned about the impact of the jabs on those with pre-existing health conditions.