Covid-19: Senior citizens and those fully vaccinated with Sinovac must be boosted by March 1, says KJ

PETALING JAYA: Those aged 60 years and above who have been fully vaccinated as well as some aged 18 and above, must take a booster shot by March 1 or lose their fully vaccinated status, says Khairy Jamaluddin.

The Health Minister said for those in the 18-year-old group and above, this applies for those who were fully vaccinated with Sinovac’s Coronavac vaccine.

He also said that 32% – or one million of senior citizens – have yet to receive their booster dose.

“So, senior citizens and those who received Sinovac jabs have the month of February to get themselves boostered. If they fail to do so, then on March 1, their digital vaccination status will turn white and they will no longer enjoy fully vaccinated status anymore," said Khairy.

“There will also be certain restrictions at (international) exit points,” he added at a press conference on Monday (Feb 7).

However, he did not elaborate on the restrictions that will be imposed.

Khairy appealed to all, especially senior citizens, to go and get their booster shots.

“Even though the Omicron variant is not as violent, senior citizens remain high risk. If you have received the booster shot, then even if you have been infected, the symptoms will not be severe,” he said.

Meanwhile, some 3.5 million individuals fully vaccinated with Sinovac have not received their booster dose.

“We are aware that some who were vaccinated with Sinovac are reluctant to receive Pfizer and AstraZeneca for boosters even though there is nothing wrong with mixed vaccines. Nevertheless, to ensure they get themselves boostered, we will give these people a choice of either Pfizer, Astrazeneca or Sinovac.

“We still have some in our stock and will give it on first-come, first-serve basis,” he said.