KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry was aware of the side effects of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, said former Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

"Before we started using the AstraZeneca vaccine, we reviewed the papers on its side effects. At that time, there was fear regarding the potential for serious side effects caused by the vaccine.

"During clinical trials, although there was concern, we were facing 300 to 500 deaths daily from Covid-19.

"The fear was minimal, with an estimated risk of 0.004 per cent, but cases of myocardial infarction had been documented.

"We know (about the side effects), but the public did not, because of the fear," he said while speaking as a panellist at the Mercy Malaysia International Humanitarian Conference here today.

He was responding to a question from an audience member about the statement by pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca acknowledging the side effects of its Covid-19 vaccine.

He said when making decisions, it was crucial to weigh the small risks against the significant benefits, given that it was during the peak of the Delta variant during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We closely monitored and reported side effects, most of which were mild, but there is actually a few that actually need our further attention. You cannot conclude that it's based on the vaccine."

He said the side effects of vaccines were tracked through adverse events following immunisation (AEFI).

"It is important to have substantial proof before attributing complications to the vaccine.

"With 98 per cent of the population vaccinated, any adverse events are often blamed on the vaccine without proper evidence.

"However, there was no significant increase in myocardial infarction conditions pre- and post-vaccination.

"Likewise, the polio vaccine. Polio vaccine also can cause polio. One in one million. There is a risk there, but more important is to manage that risk."

Dr Noor Hisham said with 98 per cent of the population vaccinated, unrelated events like strokes or heart attacks could be mistakenly attributed to vaccines.

He said if it wasn't for herd immunity, the country would still rely on temporary public health measures like lockdowns to manage the pandemic.

AstraZeneca admitted in a court document that its Covid-19 vaccine can lead to a rare blood clotting side effect.

It was reported that the pharmaceutical giant is facing lawsuits over claims that the vaccine could cause death or serious injury, with a total of 51 cases filed in the United Kingdom High Court amounting to RM595 million.

It later announced it would withdraw its Covid-19 vaccine worldwide due to a "surplus of available updated vaccines".

It said it had also voluntarily withdrawn its European Union marketing authorisation to market medicine to member states.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/1056024/former-health-d-g-ministry-knew-about-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-side