SHAH ALAM - Experts say more awareness is needed on booster shots as it produces antibodies against Covid-19
Dr James Koh of International Medical University said it is highly recommended as shown in research work and most vaccines come with additional shots.
For instance, he said the Hepatitis B vaccine has three shots with the second and third doses considered as booster shots. Anti-tetanus booster should be given every 10 years while pneumococcal vaccine to protect against pneumonia is advised to be taken every five years.
"We do not have enough exposure on booster shots and at the same time, Malaysians are not used to getting vaccinated,” he said, further advising Malaysians to get influenza booster shots every five years.
Based on international findings, in the third month, the effect of Sinovac vaccine is 50 percent lesser and in the sixth month, it is almost undetectable. Studies have shown the effectiveness of Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccine starts to fade after six months.
"Booster shots produce antibodies,” he said. This comes after some level of reluctance among Sinovac recipients to receive a booster jab of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine were reported while others are shunning away from the shots.
On concerns over mixed Covid vaccines, Koh said it has been carried out in several countries, indicating good results.
For example, Singapore found 72 percent lower infection risk when Pfizer as the primary vaccination was mixed with Moderna booster dose, as compared to only 62 percent of those who received Pfizer jabs for all three doses.
For those with weaker immune system such as HIV/AIDS patients including individuals undergoing organ transplants or cancer patients, they may need a fourth dose, he said. As Omicron surges, Koh said the possibility of being infected increases by three-folds.
"It means we can be infected repeatedly. Nevertheless, so far the data shows the symptoms for those infected with Omicron is mild in adults, while children experience more severe symptoms. This is possibly because children may not be vaccinated, ”he said.