IPOH: Children who have received the Pfizer vaccine for Covid-19 need to be monitored closely for any side effects, says Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali.

       "Most side effects are not serious but those experiencing adverse effects should send their children to a health facility to be treated," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Sept 29).

       He said symptoms to watch out for included chest pain, breathing difficulties, palpitation, swelling and adverse itchiness on the body.

       "The ministry would like to advise all public and private medical practitioners who suspect patients to be experiencing adverse side effects from vaccines to report to the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) immediately," he added.

       Dr Noor Azmi said two teenage siblings here had experienced adverse events after receiving the Pfizer vaccine.

       "Both were warded in a private hospital. The 16-year-old child has been discharged while the 18-year-old is still being treated.

       "The NPRA has yet to receive any reports on the side effects as faced by the siblings," he said.

       Dr Noor Azmi also debunked claims that several teenagers had died after getting vaccinated as alleged by a woman in a video that had gone viral since Tuesday (Sept 28).

       "Those who wish to make statements in general must be prepared to bear some responsibility for any impact or implications from their actions.

       "Before issuing any statements to the public, please ensure that all information you wish to share has been verified with the relevant parties.

       "Wrong statements can cause confusion and doubts among parents towards the vaccination programme for teenagers," he said.