Do You Want To Choose The Type Of COVID-19 Vaccine? Learn What Matters

The arrival of Malaysia’s first batch of COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech on 21 February 2021 is a historic moment in its fight against the pandemic. Malaysia's initial phase of COVID-19 immunization program involved 571,802 frontliners, but it is still waiting for the additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by other companies to inoculate the entire population. There are various types of vaccines produced by different pharmaceutical companies around the world to curb this COVID-19 epidemic, so does it matter which COVID-19 vaccine you get? 

Is It Important To Choose The Type Of COVID-19 Vaccine You Get?

Malaysia is extremely fortunate as it was among the first country in South East Asia to receive the vaccine. This has become a vital factor in the country's attempt to protect its population against the disease. Along with that, it can further our country's effort to return to normalcy.

With that said, it can be argued that the type of vaccine you get isn't as important as actually getting the vaccine itself. What really matters is your success in receiving the vaccine.  During a press conference in February 2021, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Khairy Jamaluddin emphasised on the government's policy that any vaccine approved by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Division (NPRA) is safe to use. He also announced that during the national COVID-19 immunization program which started immediately after receiving the first batch vaccine, the public will not be given the choice of which COVID-19 vaccine they want to take, instead it will be determined by the health authorities. This is in line with the government's policy emphasized by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation. 

A physician from the Faculty of Medicine, Harvard University also commented on the issue of choosing the type of COVID-19 vaccine. The supply for each type of vaccine manufactured is very limited. Therefore, according to her, anyone who will get the vaccine in the near future should just take whatever vaccine options are available. The priority is whether the vaccine is available or not, instead of what type you want. The statement was issued because there were two types of vaccines provided in the United States during the early phases of the vaccination program in that country. 

The rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine by scientists is a huge achievement. However, the production of this vaccine is limited. Coupled with the high demand from various countries, the distribution of this vaccine to all the population of the world is a big challenge. So it is not surprising that the purchase of the COVID-19 vaccine now seems to be a race. Every country around the world is struggling to get the a steady supply of COVID-19 vaccine to inoculate their population.

Various strategies have been formulated by our country including entering into agreements with several pharmaceutical companies to ensure that the country has adequate supply of vaccines for everyone. Hence, this immunization program is a glimmer of hope for us to "protect ourselves and everyone”. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, is it important to choose the type of COVID-19 vaccine you get? Not really.

The COVID-19 vaccine available now has proven to be safe and effective. This is based on thousands of clinical trials conducted before the vaccine was approved and distributed worldwide. After that, the vaccine is also necessary to get approval from the local authority before it is given to the community. In other words, it does not matter whether you can choose which vaccine you receive or not, because for now, any type of COVID-19 vaccine is better than not getting the vaccination at all.

Boost your immune system and have a healthy life!