Covid-19 Vaccination FAQ (Malaysia)

I was fortunate to secure a slot in the 1st rollout for the Oxford-Astrazaneca Vaccine and got my 1st dose on the 8th of May 2021 at 3:30 PM in Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur. Since my post on Instagram garnered many queries from my fellow connections, here is a compilation of FAQs and my response to them. 

1) Why did you opt for Oxford-AstraZeneca?

I am aware of the risk of vaccination and its benefits far outweigh the risk of contracting the Covid-19 virus. This has allowed me to be vaccinated by choice ahead of schedule as I have a responsibility to my family and clients alike. 

2) Which vaccine is better?

Whichever vaccine that you are offered or able to get at the shortest time possible. The quicker we get a higher percentage of the population to be vaccinated, the quicker we can achieve herd immunity to keep Covid-19 in check. 

3) What should I bring along for the vaccination

Identification card (IC), Handphone with MySejahtera, Pen

4) What is the process like at the vaccination centre?

Do arrive earlier at the vaccination centre (I arrived 30 minutes before in UM), allow the RELA member and site assistant to check your MySejahtera. If you are a senior or OKU, you would be assisted throughout the pross. Do mention if they require language translations as well. Pick your number and wait till you are called.

Station 1, to receive the consent letter with IC & MySejahtera check.

Station 2 will be with a Medical Officer to do a preliminary health check. Do state your current health conditions and allergies (if any). Once confirmed, you will be required to sign the consent form (2 copies) and given A) 15 minutes observation or B) 30 minutes observation card. These are to indicate your observation period post-vaccination.

Once done, you are ready! Proceed to the room to be given the vaccine. Scan the barcode with your MySejahtera when done. Proceed to wait at the observation hall. 

If you are not feeling great, please proceed to inform the staffs on standby for medical attention. When the 15/ 30 minutes is up and you are feeling great, proceed to the final checkpoint to collect your vaccination card (physical). You can now proceed out of the area and pose with the “I am vaccinated” cardboard for your social media postings.

 5) What are the post-vaccine effects?

It is common to experience mild to moderate post-vaccination side effects. This is because your immune system is reacting to the vaccine and gearing up to fight the virus. Symptoms include

• pain at the injection site
• fatigue, headache
• chills
• joint pain
• fever
• nausea
• swelling of the lymph node.

It usually starts a few hours (mine from the 12th hour) after and will persist until the 36th hours before you gradually recover. Not experiencing side effects does not mean it is not working. 

6) What if it gets worse after taking the vaccine?

Should you develop severe post-vaccine complications, please report your symptoms on the MySejahtera app and immediately seek medical attention at the PUBLIC hospital along with your vaccination card. The government has set up a RM 10,000,000 fund for post-vaccination complications / cover. Those hospitalised with severe complications and with serious side effects will be covered with RM 50,000 whereas death from vaccination is compensated with RM 500,000. Additionally, most life insurance companies also provide post-vaccination benefits (please check with your existing agent or you can contact me directly).

7) I am afraid because I got existing health concerns

For those with existing health concerns, they should consider being vaccinated as they are at an increased risk of severe Covid-19 complications. Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, heart conditions, high blood pressure and lung/breathing conditions. People with a history of severe allergic reaction. Why? Those who have severe reactions to any components of the vaccine would normally be advised from taking it. 

8) I am pregnant / breastfeeding, should I opt for the vaccine?

Recently, Pfizer/BioNTech was approved for pregnant ladies from between the 18th to 33rd week. There is no substantial data/information released for the other vaccines yet. Please consult your doctor before making a decision.

9) Does it work against new variants?

While there are several new circulating about on the matter, currently scientist around the world are testing it on the new variants. At present in the time of writing, there is not enough data and any conclusion on the matter. Only Pfizer/BioNTech test indicated that it is effective against the new variants (WHO, 2021). 

10) What about those below age 18?

Vaccine trials and test are still ongoing at the time of writing. Once it is ready and safe to be administered, WHO will release a global guideline to it. 

11) What is the use of the vaccine if I can still get Covid-19 even after vaccination?

Getting the vaccine is not a cure or a super serum that grants you indefinite immunity. Its role is to significantly reduce the chance of severe Covid-19 conditions and significantly reduces its infectivity to those around us. Achieving herd immunity would keep the pandemic in check and will allow us to rebuild our lives and economy. 

12) I am afraid of a blood clot but what are the symptoms?

There are lots of concerns with regards to potential blood clots with vaccination. Let us look into the details here. What are the symptoms of a potential blood clot? Severe persistent headache, leg swelling, chest pain, shortness of breath, blurred vision, usual bruising or any neurological symptoms such as weakness in limbs and seizures. The risk of blood clots is at 0.004% with an increased risk of those with low platelet counts. Should anyone experience any of the symptoms, please consult the doctor immediately. This can be attended to and be treated immediately. 

13) Should I take the vaccine even if I have recovered from Covid-19? 

Yes, you should take the vaccine even if you have previously been diagnosed and recovered from it. 

14) What are the current implications of contracting Covid-19 with insurance?

Life & health insurance applications post Covid-19 complications differ by severity stages:

Stage 1 & 2: Likely standard case if there are no prolonged/lasting effect from the virus or application postponed if signing right after recovery

Stage 3: likely loading or exclusion due to the lasting effects of Covid-19

Stage 4 & 5: unlikely to be offered/ approved due to lasting/permanent damage from Covid-19 virus. The application will be declined or postponed until recovery and health conditions are stable post-Covid-19 can be verified by medical doctors.

Above I have covered several FAQ that was asked/discussed with me. Do you have any question? Do post them below in the comments and I will assist where possible. 

#cucukmyaz #covid19 #malaysia #vaccine #adamlimco

* Disclaimer: most of the source is from WHO and MOH and you can read them online in their respective sites. This disclaimer also informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author's employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.