RATHER than using mega vaccination centres (PPVs) to speed up the process of administering booster shots, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) states that the Health Ministry (MOH) should use funds and resources to strengthen public healthcare facilities instead.
Despite over 4.2 million booster shots already being administered to 18% of the population by daily private PPVs registered under ProtectHealth, there has been a high dropout rate in appointments, which needs to be addressed.
“We’ve said before that there is hesitancy among the public on receiving heterologous vaccination therefore more efforts are needed to reassure the public that heterologous boosters are safe.
“From the feedback we have been getting, many are unwilling to receive the Pfizer shot after being fully vaccinated with Sinovac. When there is no choice given, many will choose not to accept the booster shot,” said MMA president Dr Koh Kar Chai.
Therefore, Dr Koh believes that opening up large facilities to increase the percentage of booster shots being given will be a waste of resources, as the venue, utilities (ie. Electricity, etc) is costly.
He also warns that allowing such a massive gathering of the population in one place is said to be counterproductive and could risk the further spread of COVID-19.
To counter this, MMA suggested for the Health Ministry to encourage private medical practitioners to open smaller outreach PPVs within the community, as they have already contributed 48% of total vaccinations nationwide.
“We urge the MOH to reconsider its plans and focus on reassuring the public on heterologous booster safety through the sharing of sufficient evidence recognised by leading health authorities while the private PPVs does its part in partnership with the government in administering the booster doses.
“We believe booster uptake will improve in the coming weeks but the people will need some convincing and encouragement,” Dr Koh added. – Dec 18, 2021
