KUCHING: The Hari Raya and Hari Gawai celebrations which fall in May and June, respectively, are expected to trigger a spike in COVID-19 cases in Sarawak.
Therefore, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s (UNIMAS) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Associate Professor Dr Helmy Hazmi advised the eligible vaccine recipients, especially those who completed with two doses of Sinovac – to go for their booster shot as soon as possible.
“We have seen a surge of COVID-19 cases in Sarawak after the Chinese New Year celebration, hence, it is expected there will also be a spike after the Hari Raya and Gawai celebrations,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
“A booster is still important particularly for those above 60 years old as it helps to reduce the risk of severe illness and cases that need to be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) facilities.”
“We may have the treatment for Covid-19, but we should avoid “medicalisation” of COVID-19 and focus instead on prevention – masking, proper ventilation, avoid crowds, hand washing and of course booster doses,” he added.
Dr Helmy was commenting on the removal of ‘fully-vaccinated’ status, of Sinovac and Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines as well those above 60 who have not taken their booster shots, starting today.
However, they will still be allowed to dine in at restaurants and enter shopping malls, workplaces and places of worship, like other fully-vaccinated individuals.
He said although the public can decide whether they want the third dose or not, their decision must be based on proper knowledge, reliable information and not merely hearsays.
“The rights of the majority who choose to be healthy and to live with the immunised cannot be denied,” he added.
Dr Helmy said the definition of a ‘fully vaccinated’ person was an evolving one based on science and serves to educate and assist the society’s transition towards the endemic phase.
He said a recent report mentioned that three shots of the Sinovac vaccine is 94 per cent effective against the Omicron variant, compared to just two shots. In addition, the two shots were only adequate for the or the pre-omicron variants.
“I am sure that the Health Ministry has valid reasons (supported with facts and data) to consider three doses as fully vaccinated for those receiving Sinovac earlier, considering the Omicron variant and the long term effectiveness of the vaccine itself,” he said.
“Do make the decision wisely and consciously as it’s not about restrictions of movement but rather the health and safety during our transition to recovery and bouncing back stronger for the nation,” he said.
