KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has reminded the public to get vaccinated and go for their booster shots for maximum protection against Covid-19 virus.
MMA president Dr Koh Kar Chai said people could still contract the coronavirus and suffer from long Covid-19, although most of the cases at present were mildly symptomatic and asymptomatic.
"Those who are still unvaccinated should not delay any further, as the Omicron Covid-19 variants are spreading quickly within the community, as compared to earlier variants.
"As we transition into an endemic state, people need to be reminded that the low rate of hospitalisations and deaths are largely due to the high uptake of vaccinations.
"Statistics have also shown the benefits of getting booster shots," he said in a statement, today.
Dr Koh said people who have yet to get their booster shots, especially those with comorbidities and aged 60 and above, are at risk of contracting and developing severe Covid-19.
"Don't add yourself to the daily rate of severe Covid-19 cases or even deaths."
He said the government has made available different types of vaccines for the people, with Pfizer-BioNTech's Cominarty vaccine being the most accessible next to CoronaVac (Sinovac).
"However, the latter is not available in all vaccination centres," he said.
He advised the public to take any of the available vaccines instead of waiting.
"Don't sit on it, as we need to overcome the current wave of Omicron variant.
"The variant is said to be mild, however, it can still overwhelm our healthcare system with disastrous consequences.