KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has purchased bivalent Covid-19 vaccines which are set to replace the previous range of vaccines being used as booster doses.

Caretaker Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the vaccine can be expected to arrive sometime in November.

"It (bivalent Covid-19 vaccine) is a new vaccine from Pfizer. There is no additional procurement, but it will replace the existing orders of the old vaccines.

"The bivalent vaccine will arrive next month but I advise people to take any current vaccines instead of waiting because they are also effective against the Omicron variant. 

"But I would like to inform that we will start with the new vaccine next month (November). It will be given after four to six months for those that have taken the first booster shot," he said.

The United States Food and Drug Administration defines the bivalent Covid-19 vaccines as vaccines containing a broader protection against the virus. They are called bivalent because they contain components of both the original virus strain and the Omicron variant.

Khairy said the ministry was still looking into whether the vaccine was needed for children under the age of 5.

"The experts are still looking into this based on data from other countries. We found that although there are serious cases, the infection among this group is still mild.

"However, it is agreed that they can still be given the covid vaccine if they experience any health complications. Those who have no issues do not need the vaccines."

Khairy also said that the ministry advises everyone to take their second Covid-19 vaccine booster shot due to the low second booster rate that was reported.

"Until today, only 519,839 Malaysians have taken their second booster shot.

"Although it is optional, we urge those in the high-risk category, especially elders over 50 years old, people with chronic diseases, and those with weak immune systems to take the shot.

"It is also recommended for pregnant women and frontliners such as those in healthcare or will be on duty during the 15th General Election," he said.

"Those 12 and above with no health issues can also get the booster jab. We will send a link for an appointment in MySejahtera," he said during the Covid-19 press conference.

Khairy said it was also highly recommended that Malaysians get the anti-viral treatment Paxlovid.

"High-risk groups with low immunity are recommended to get early treatment and the antiviral drug Paxlovid, if one is positive for Covid-19 and symptomatic.

"This is very effective to avoid the infection from worsening and any serious disease complications.

"We are not concerned about the number of cases, but the severity of the Covid symptoms," he said.

He said everyone must play a role in battling the virus as Malaysia transitions to the endemic phase.

"The people are reminded to take care of their family members in the high-risk group by getting them the second booster shot or being given the antiviral pill to reduce the symptoms.

"We don't want the infection to worsen which leads to respiratory failure causing the patient to be admitted into the Intensive Care Unit or requiring ventilator support.

"I am thankful that Malaysians have carried out their duty in following the ministry's advice whether on vaccines or face masks," he said.