Is it age or the vaccine? Malaysians share post-vaccination concerns

SHAH ALAM - The recent withdrawal of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine from the global market has understandably raised concerns among recipients in Malaysia.

Private sector employee Muhammad NorHafifi Muhammad Nawi, 31, expressed worry about the vaccine's side effects, noting a perceived weakening of his body's immunity post-vaccination.

"Previously, I could recover from a fever in one or two days, but now it takes up to a week," he said, urging comprehensive health check-ups for all.

Food and beverage entrepreneur, Shahar Najmi Md Jani, 40, acknowledged that every medicine or vaccine inevitably has some side effects.

He said he was experiencing swelling and pain in his foot joints post-vaccination, uncertain whether it was due to the AstraZeneca vaccine or simply aging.

"If the Covid-19 vaccine indeed poses risks, we must address this issue," he said.

Private sector employee Balqis Natrah Yusri, 27, had no serious side effects after receiving two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, though she occasionally experiences slight shortness of breath.

"I am also worried about serious side effects, but thankfully, I am still fine so far, just sometimes I feel slightly short of breath," she said.

Another private sector employee, Atiqah Dazalan, 35, admitted that she has not experienced any serious effects after receiving the Sinovac vaccine.

"Just occasionally, I feel like there's a jolt in my head or feel dizzy," she said.

Meanwhile, Sakina Adnan, a 50-year-old private sector worker, noted prolonged recovery from fever or illness since receiving the Sinovac vaccine.