Seniors urged to take booster shot

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Covid-19 Omicron variant is still considered a serious threat, especially for high-risk groups, says Khairy Jamaluddin.

The Health Minister said that therefore, optimal protection should be given, especially to the elderly, chronic patients with high blood pressure and diabetes, and those with immune problems.

“For some, Omicron is like the common cold but for others, it could bring harm. So it is highly recommended for these groups to take the booster because if (they get) infected, the effects and symptoms could be severe,” he told reporters after visiting Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital here yesterday, Bernama reported.

Khairy also did not rule out the possibility of an increase in Covid-19 infections during the festive celebrations, adding that efforts to increase the percentage of booster doses, especially among the elderly, needed to be stepped up and his office would instruct the state health directors to do so before the Raya celebrations.

“The government has assured Malaysians that they can return to their hometowns with no restrictions to celebrate Aidilfitri.

“The ministry is satisfied with the trend of infection. Hospitals are not under pressure in terms of admission to intensive care units,” he said.