PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has started giving out booster shots to those aged 40 years old and older under the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme, says Khairy Jamaluddin.

       The Health Minister said the booster shots will first be given to eligible Malaysians who are above 40 years old and those who have comorbidities.

       “Those eligible will receive their appointments through their MySejahtera application.

       “When you receive an appointment through the MySejahtera app, please make sure that you are present to get the booster shot.

       “Through this, it will increase our protection against Covid-19 infection,” he said in a video posted on the Health Ministry's official Facebook page on Wednesday (Nov 10).

       In another development, Khairy also said that around 40% of people getting their vaccine booster appointment dates under the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) are not showing up for the jab.

       Khairy said the number of hospitalisations will increase if the number of booster take-ups remains low.

       "If booster take-up is low, especially among the elderly's and those with comorbidities, hospitalisation numbers will go up. This is for sure,” he tweeted.

       Hence, he urged those who had received their appointment dates to go and take the jab, as it will strengthen their immunity and protection against Covid-19.

       Booster dosing began nationwide on Oct 13 for fully vaccinated individuals to ensure that the immunity received after completing their doses can be maintained for an optimal period, especially against Delta variant infections.