Covid-19: 2.4 reports of effects post-jab for every 1,000 doses, says Health Minister

PUTRAJAYA: The authorities received 2.4 reports of effects of immunisation for every 1,000 Covid-19 vaccine doses administered to date, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.

He said this was the number of incidents reported to the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency while reports via MySejahtera numbered at 29.3 per 1,000 doses.

“Only 0.09 out of every 1,000 doses of vaccine that were administered were regarded as serious adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) where treatment or hospitalisation was required,” he said.

Dr Adham added at his weekly media briefing on Monday (June 14) that pain at the injection site, headaches and fatigue were among the side effects reported.

To a question, the minister said that usage of beds in intensive care units (ICU) to treat Covid-19 patients is at 97%, with 1,161 of 1,767 beds available currently occupied.

He added that 452 patients in ICU required ventilator assistance as of now.

On another matter, Dr Adham said the public who felt that they had been overcharged when undergoing Covid-19 screenings can lodge complaints with the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC).

“We have used the Emergency Ordinance to cap the prices for such tests. If the price is more than what has been set, those responsible will have to itemise what the additional charges are for,” he said.

However, Dr Adham did not mention the ceiling prices for RTK-Antigent, RT-PCR and the RTK-Antibody tests.