PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has not ruled out that the waning effect of vaccines over time may be the reason for Sarawak’s recent high Covid-19 numbers.

       Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the ministry is also studying if it needs to implement booster shots to counter the situation.

       “The ministry had a long discussion on Sarawak. I may be heading over to Sarawak next week to discuss with the state government on what additional measures we can take to try to reduce the increasing Covid-19 transmission there.

       “I’ve also asked the technical working group that advises on vaccine selection to quickly provide JKJAV (Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply) with a recommendation on booster shots. They will be meeting next week.

       “Right now, we are not sure what is driving the transmission in Sarawak.

       “One possibility is the waning effectiveness of vaccines over time, which we have seen occur in other countries.

       “They’ve administered booster shots especially to the elderly, the immunocompromised and healthcare workers. So we are certainly not ruling that out,” said Khairy at the ministry’s Covid-19 press conference here on Thursday (Sept 9).

       Sarawak has one of the country’s highest vaccination rates, with 87.9% of its adult population already fully vaccinated.

       In the past few days, Sarawak had continued to record the highest number of daily cases out of all states - mostly in the 3,000s.

       However, 99% of its daily cases are mild and asymptomatic cases - with only a small number of severe cases.

       Khairy said the situation in Sarawak could happen in the rest of the country, if it is proven that there is a waning effect of vaccines.

       “So, we have to see what measures to stop the increasing rate of transmission and use it as a playbook in other states.

       “Israel, at one time, had one of the best vaccination rates in the world. But after eight months, they start to see a rise in cases.

       “This could be due to Delta, or the reopening of the economy, or the waning effect of vaccines.

       “We are perhaps starting to see that in Sarawak, but I’ve asked for greater granular analysis on this and we will be able to announce something once we have the data,” said Khairy.

       Khairy noted that Sarawak has taken the proactive step by starting vaccinating teenagers on Wednesday (Sept 8).

       “This will ensure their vaccination coverage of the total population increases.

       “In the meantime, testing and isolation remains very important in Sarawak now to control the transmission there.