KUALA LUMPUR: A total of eight applications for special financial assistance due to adverse side effects from Covid-19 vaccines, involving RM132,500, have been approved, and are being processed, says the Health Ministry.

       The ministry said, in a reply posted on Parliament’s official website Thursday (Nov 11), that the eight were among 77 applications for the assistance received by the ministry as of Nov 5.

       Meanwhile, it said 62 applications were still under evaluation, with 61 under the Special Pharmacovigilance Committee for Covid-19 Vaccine Monitoring and another being re-evaluated by the Medical Technical Committee (JTP), while seven applications were rejected.

       It said vaccine recipients who suffered serious side effects and required long-term hospital treatment due to Covid-19 vaccination would receive not more than RM50,000, while up to RM500,000 would be given in the event of death or permanent disability.

       The Health Ministry was replying to a query from Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir (PH-Johor Bahru) on the number of applications as well as funds spent on special financial assistance given to those who had serious side effects after receiving the Covid-19 vaccine.

       According to the ministry, the actual amount of assistance given to individuals affected by Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) would be determined based on the recommendation by the JTP, and decided by the special steering committee set up for the purpose. - Bernama