Q and A: Pre-vaccination assessment

1. Who needs to get a pre-vaccination assessment before the Covid-19 jab?

Three groups of people are required to complete a pre-vaccination assessment prior to receiving their jabs. They are:

i. Individuals with weakened immune system due to medical conditions or treatment:

· Cancer patients

· Individuals with organ transplantation history

· Individuals with chronic HIV infection

· Individuals on immunosuppressants

ii. Individuals with severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)

· Allergies towards vaccines, medications or shots that may contain polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysorbate

· Allergies from unknown causes

· Allergies after receiving the first dose within 72 hours

· Allergies towards contents found in Covid-19 vaccines

iii. Individuals with bleeding disorders

· Individuals on medications that can cause bleeding or affect the body’s ability to form clots

· Haemophilia patients

· Patients undergoing follow-up treatment caused by low platelet count

· Patients on blood-thinning medication who are under observation and with scheduled follow-up appointments

2. If I fall under any of these groups, how do I get assessed?

You should consult your regular doctor or medical specialist for advice. However, if you have medical conditions that do not have follow-up treatment (such as severe allergies) or you do not have regular doctor visits, you can go to the nearby health clinic (Klinik Kesihatan) for further advice.

A letter will be issued by the specialist who examined you. Please bring the letter along on your vaccination day.

3. What may the outcome of assessment be?

The doctor will determine if you are eligible for vaccination, or if you are not eligible due to contraindications. They may also determine if vaccination needs to be postponed to a more suitable date.

4. What would the doctors be identifying?

The doctor will identify what is the suitable type of vaccine, what is the most suitable time to receive the vaccine, and the vaccination location (either at the hospital or the nearest vaccine administration centre).

5. What happens if I don’t fall under any of these categories?

You do not need to do the pre-vaccination assessment.

However, when you arrive for your vaccine appointment, a healthcare practitioner will still assess your health before you receive the vaccine.

6. How do I know if I need to seek treatment for my side effects?

You are to seek immediate medical help and treatment if you experience the following side effects after vaccination (between four days and four weeks):

· Severe and unpleasant headache that gets worse after taking painkillers

· Severe headache when lying down or bowing

· Unusual headache that may be present with:

· Blurred vision, nausea or vomiting

· Difficulty speaking

· Weakness, dizziness or seizures

· Unexplained bruising or bleeding

· Shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling of the legs or persistent abdominal pain