Irony of giving booster jab while complaining about inequity

PETALING JAYA: The government’s decision to proceed with a third vaccine dose for people in high-risk groups has drawn a jibe against health minister Khairy Jamaluddin’s previous complaint about global vaccine inequity.

Azrul Mohd Khalib, chief executive of the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy, said the decision was “somewhat ironic” because Khairy had lashed out at rich countries for hoarding vaccines while other countries did not have enough.

In April, Khairy had lambasted rich countries for hoarding vaccines, saying it was “cruel and unjust”. He drew a resemblance between vaccine hoarding and first class passengers on the Titanic being given priority to get on lifeboats.

Yesterday, he announced that a 3rd vaccine dose would be given to high-risk groups including the elderly, immuno-compromised, people with comorbidities, healthcare workers, and also workers at care homes.

Azrul said: “Booster doses contribute to vaccine inequity. We are talking about extra doses when many countries around the world don’t even have enough vaccines to ensure their population gets even one dose. Only 3.5% of Africa has been fully vaccinated.”

He said he did not agree for a 3rd dose to be provided to so many categories of people.

“If you’re fully vaccinated and do not have pre-existing conditions, then the two doses should be sufficient protection.

“A booster shot is more for those who have comorbidities and the immunocompromised as their immunity to the virus may still be low after a second jab,” he said.

Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Koh Kar Chai said there had been studies showing that the protection offered by the Covid-19 vaccines would wane over time, hence the need for booster shots.

He said the MMA looked forward to engaging with the health ministry on how private clinics can be involved in the administration of the third dose. — Free Malaysia Today