PETALING JAYA: Only 3% of almost 250,000 fully vaccinated healthcare workers in Malaysia have been infected with Covid-19, with only two deaths occurring among them, says Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
In a Facebook post, Dr Noor Hisham said of the 248,874 fully vaccinated healthcare workers, 7,599 (3.05%) were discovered to be infected by Covid-19 following periodic screenings by the ministry.
Out of this, only 17 cases (0.22%) were in either Categories 3, 4 and 5 (the most severe category).
“There were also two deaths in Category Five,” said Dr Noor Hisham, who also posted a chart detailing the number of cases among fully vaccinated healthcare workers from Feb 24 to Aug 13.
The Ministry said although infections among the fully vaccinated are still possible, infection rate as well as disease severity are lower.
Out of the 248,874 fully vaccinated healthcare workers, 2,447 were in Category 1 (asymptomatic), while 5,135 were in Category 2 (mild symptoms).
There were also 10 people in Category 3 (with pneumonia), four in Category 4 (requiring oxygen assistance) and three in Category 5 (under intensive care).
“The vaccine only reduces (disease) severity and deaths. Not zero-rate severity and deaths. There is no vaccine that is 100% effective,” added Dr Noor Hisham in the comments section.
To a question on whether those who had completed the two dose regimen of the Sinovac (CoronaVac) vaccine would require a third shot or a booster jab, Dr Noor Hisham replied, “Not yet for now.”
Source: The Star
