Since the national vaccination drive is rampant albeit the recent surge in Covid-19 cases, it should be important to know that it might take some time before the government relaxes the strict SOPs in place. This is due to the potential increase in the reinfection rate and the fact that individuals below 17 years old have yet to be vaccinated for fear of heart inflammation risk.
Along with the news of Covid-19 comes the news of having a potential third dosage for vaccine recipients. On 15th April, the CEO of Pfizer, Albert Bourla said that a third Covid-19 vaccine dose might be needed within 12 months. Following this, a group of experts would be producing a few guidelines regarding the third dose or better known as a booster shot for the Covid-19 vaccine to The Special Committee For Ensuring Access To Covid-19 Vaccine (JKJAV), in due time.
According to a report released by Astro Awani, the Coordinating Minister for the immunization program, Khairy Jamaluddin, has said that this would involve suggestions for giving different vaccines. This also involves the effectiveness of vaccines towards the new Delta variant.
The question at hand would be; who would be the ones receiving the third dosage of the vaccines? We’ve rounded up a few potential groups of people who might have to receive them according to decisions made by other world leaders.
1. Organ Transplant Recipients and Cancer Patients
These groups of people, better known as immunocompromised patients were given the third dosage in the United States of America, following them being high-risk individuals as their immunity levels are considerably low due to excessive treatments and chemotherapy. Furthermore, health officers in the USA are considering fully vaccinated individuals to wear face masks. They are also mulling over the appropriate duration for the booster dose to be given to these vulnerable groups.
2. Individuals Who Have Been Vaccinated With Pfizer
In Israel, there has been a reduction in efficacy with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. This had been ineffective in combatting the symptomatic cases. However, it could be seen that the vaccine was effective in preventing Covid-19 patients from becoming critical. There had also been an increase in Delta cases which have become dominant in the country.
Regardless of the decision made by our government, it should be noted that the vaccine is entirely safe to use and the booster dose administered is to prevent reinfection and severe Covid-19 symptoms. Regardless of the type of vaccine given, let’s cooperate with the experts and get vaccinated!
Source: The Rakyat Post
