Many having second thoughts on second booster

PETALING JAYA: With the increase in the number of Covid-19 cases this past week, those who previously did not consider getting a second booster shot are now having a change of heart.

The number of cases shot up from 1,918 on Monday to 4,020 cases on Thursday, leading many to say there is now a greater sense of urgency to getting the fourth jab – after the first two to be fully vaccinated – as a safety precaution.

Some had even got the second booster several weeks before, in anticipation of rising cases.

A senior citizen who wished to remain anonymous said he might finally consider taking the second booster amidst the rising number of cases despite initially being on the fence.

“I did see various articles saying a second booster was unnecessary, but always did a fact check through news updates from primary media sources.

“Now that the number of cases is fast increasing, I will get my son to contact the nearest vaccination centre to check whether they can accommodate my request for a second booster,” he said.

A retiree, who wished to be known only as Hong, said he took his second booster early last week in anticipation of a potential increase in cases.

“I saw an upward trend towards the end of June and decided to take the second shot for my own good.

“I contacted a vaccination centre in Petaling Jaya to inquire whether they offered it, and upon their confirmation, proceeded to walk in for my booster,” he said.

Hong added that despite already having got his second jab, he had opted to leave his house only when necessary and to continue practising physical distancing.

Ayesha, 65, said she would now proceed to get her booster shot as Covid-19 infections were likely to rise.

“I have underlying health conditions such as diabetes and a heart problem. I was initially hesitant as I was a bit unsure about the implications of the second booster dose,” the retiree from Petaling Jaya said.

She added that she would consult her doctor prior to getting her second booster dose.

“I don’t want to take the risk and it is better to be safe.

“I’ll go ahead with the shot if my doctor gives the nod,” she said.

She felt that it was best to take precautions as the situation remained fluid and uncertain, especially with the emergence of new subvariants.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin advised senior citizens aged 60 and above as well as those who have underlying medical conditions to get their second Covid-19 booster dose, as an Omicron BA.5 variant wave of infections was expected.

As at July 7, only 151,018 out of the 2.49 million individuals eligible for the second booster shot have taken it.