Experts are calling it a wise decision for the government to await further results from studies and adequate data. This is in regards to the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine for children under the age of 12.
Dr. Muhammad Hakim, founder of the Malaysian Doctors Club (MDC) reportedly described Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin’s move to not make any hasty decisions before procuring these vaccines as practical. He says the WHO (World Health Organisation) has yet to recommend vaccination for children under 12.
No Reason To Administer Vaccinations Just Yet
There is no solid reason just yet, therefore, for the administration of a vaccine we are unsure of its safety and effectiveness.
Dr. Muhammad Hamid also said despite some vaccines having confirmed the effectiveness of their products, it is ultimately up to the WHO to determine the administration of these vaccines.
Khairy had previously announced the government was indeed in consideration with a vaccine producer to procure them for the children. The firm is now currently preparing to share data pertaining to these vaccines to governing bodies worldwide, including Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Dr. Adli Ali of the Tuanku Muhriz Chancellor’s Hospital voiced his belief that the Malaysian government is indeed evaluating several types of vaccines for the vaccination of these children.
He affirmed that sufficient data will increase the parents’ confidence in the vaccination of their children.
“I believe they (the government) have also taken into account some data (from various vaccine producers) including Sinovac which has released data saying that the vaccine is safe for children aged 6 to 12.”
Dr. Adli Ali, senior clinical lecturer and consultant paediatric immunologist.
On the other hand, more experts such as Associate Prof. Dr. Nurul Azmawati Mohamed such decisions on whether or not to vaccinate children under 12 is no easy task.
The clinical microbiologist specialist of the Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (Usim) also mentioned that despite promising clinical trials, validation by WHO experts and the Health Ministry are still necessary.
Thus, parents, for the time being, let’s continue to keep our kids safe until it is deemed safe for them to get vaccinated as dictated by the WHO.
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