Take your Covid booster jab, even if you’ve recovered, Khairy says

Some two and a half million Malaysians who contracted Covid-19 and recovered are still encouraged to take their booster shots despite having some level of antibodies from the disease, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said today.

Speaking at a press conference, he said booster jabs should be taken three months after recovery, especially by those in the high-risk group such as senior citizens.

He said this would provide greater protection, especially as the efficacy of vaccines decreases over time.

“We are of the view that even if you have gotten infected, it is better if you receive your Covid-19 booster shots,” he said.

“We will continue to recommend both vaccination and booster jabs even for people who have recovered from Covid-19. That is the stand of the health ministry.”

He also said that the scientific data for boosters had shown promising results.

“Until new scientific evidence presents otherwise,” he added. “We will update from time to time as we get better evidence.”

Some 2.6 million Malaysians have contracted Covid-19 since the virus was first detected in the country early last year.

Of these, 2.5 million have recovered while 68,755 cases remained active as of yesterday.

The death toll from the virus stands at 30,195.

Currently, the US Food and Drug Administration says the natural immunity of those who have recovered alone will not be able to fight against Covid-19, as the degree of immunity against the virus varies significantly.