1

How many types of COVID-19 vaccines are there?

Current Vaccines in Phase 3 studies fall into 5 main categories:

a. mRNA vaccines: e.g. Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Arcturus
b. virus vectored vaccines: e.g. Astra-Zeneca, Gamaleya, Can-Sino c. inactivated virus vaccines: e.g. Sinovac, Bharat
d. protein subunit vaccines: e.g. Novavax, Sanofi-Pasteur
e. virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines: e.g. Medicago

The first batch of vaccine is from Pfizer- BioNTech. There will be an additional supply of vaccines from other brands such as Astra-Zeneca and Sinovac.

2

Why should I get COVID-19 vaccine?

By getting vaccinated, you are reducing your risk of disease, hospitalization and severe complications. Getting vaccinated and reducing the risk of disease also helps prevent our health care system from being further overwhelmed. It is important for us to achieve as high a level of population coverage as possible, to provide protection for the majority of our population. A population with high vaccination coverage against COVID-19 will indirectly protect those who are unable to receive COVID-19 vaccination (e.g. children where safety data is not available)

3

How does a mRNA vaccine work?

The COVID-19 mRNA vaccine consists of lab created messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) that carry instructions to make the spike protein of the virus. This spike protein stimulates the production of a good antibody and cellular immune response that protects the vaccinated person when they are exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in the future. The mRNA vaccine only persists for a few days before it is naturally broken down by the body. It does not enter the nucleus and therefore it cannot interfere with the DNA of the person who is vaccinated. 

4

Can mRNA vaccine modify my genes?

No, they do not modify the vaccinated person's genes. The mRNA vaccine cannot be converted back to DNA. As our human genome is made up of DNA, it is not possible that the COVID-19 mRNA will interfere with or modify human DNA. The mRNA vaccine is completely degraded within 48 hours of introduction to the human body.

5

Is the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine a live vaccine?

No, it is an mRNA vaccine. It does not contain any live virus.

6

WIll there be a micro-chip in the mRNA vaccine that can be inserted into our body?

No, the vaccine does not contain any micro-chip and therefore it cannot be "inserted" into our body.

7

How effective is Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine?

Phase 3 trial showed that the efficacy is about 95% in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 disease 2 weeks after completing the second dose of the vaccine

8

Are the COVID-19 vaccines halal?

The 10th Special Meeting of the Muzakarah Committee of National Council for Malaysian Islamic Affairs, which convened on 3 December 2020, has decided that the COVID-19 Vaccine is permissible ("Harus") and must be taken by the group set by the Government of Malaysia. In addition, none of the vaccines contain porcine or bovine ingredients. (al-Bayan edition 07/2020)

9

Can the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine give me COVID-19?

No. The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19 because it does not contain infectious live virus.

10

There are many new strain of COVID-19 being reported recently. Will the vaccine cover against all strains?

At this time, there is no evidence that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine does not protect against specific COVID-19 strain. This is being closely monitored by the company and federal agencies.

11

Are there any side effects associated with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine?

Most people do not have serious problems after being vaccinated for COVID-19. Any minor symptoms such as redness, swelling or pain around the injection site, fatigue, fever, headache and aching limbs usually go away on their own within a week. However, patients who had history of anaphylatic reaction should not take this vaccine as they are at high risk of developing another anaphylatic reaction.

12

How many doses of the Pfizer -BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine will be needed?

The vaccine will be given in 2 doses, 21 days apart.

13

Can I take the second dose earlier if I can't make it on the second appointment?

No. It is not advisable to do so as it may not be as effective.

14

How long does it take to be protected after vaccination?

Phase 3 studies showed that after the first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, the protection is around 52%. 2 weeks after the second dose, the protection is around 95%.

15

Can I take one dose of vaccine?

No, it is not advisable as the protection will not be complete without the second dose.

16

If I've had COVID-19 should I get vaccinated?

Yes, although currently there is not enough data to determine how prior infection with COVID-19 affects the efficacy of the vaccine. However it is known that natural immunity to the virus wanes over time. Therefore individuals who have previously been infected are eligible to receive the vaccine. No routine testing by PCR or serology is required before getting COVID-19 vaccination to determine eligibility for vaccination.

17

If I am breastfeeding or pregnant, is it safe to be vaccinated?

Pregnancy is a risk factor for severe illness due to COVID-19. Pregnancy or breastfeeding is not a contraindication to receive vaccination. There is no theoretical reason why mRNA vaccines would be harmful to the mother during pregnancy, to a developing fetus, or to a breastfeeding infant although ongoing research is still being conducted to evaluate the safety of COVID-19 vaccine in pregnant and lactating women. Meanwhile, the CDC advises that pregnant and lactating women should be offered the vaccine and may choose to be vaccinated.

18

Who can't take the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine?

At the moment, there is insufficient clinical evidence to support vaccination in these populations: immunocompromised people and people with autoimmune disorders. Therefore, MOH is currently not recommending vaccination for these populations. However, these recommendations may change as more clinical data is obtained.

Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine should not be given to individuals who are known to have allergic reactions to any of the ingredients in the vaccine (mRNA, lipids ((4 hydroxybutyl) azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate), 2 [(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide, 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3 phosphocholine, and cholesterol), potassium chloride, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, disodium phosphate dihydrate, and sucrose).

The second dose of the vaccine should not be given to individuals who had a severe allergic reaction after the first dose of this vaccine.

19

Who are at high risk for anaphylaxis and should
not be vaccinated?

Those who had history of an allergic reaction to a previous dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or any of its components should not be vaccinated with this vaccine.
Anaphylactic reactions include severe angioedema, bronchospasm and/or hypotension.
Persons with a history of anaphylaxis to other drugs, vaccines, food, insect stings, or unknown trigger (idiopathic), also should not receive this vaccine due to severe allergic reactions reported with this vaccine in other countries in individuals with a history of anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction.
However, non-mRNA vaccine can be considered when it is available and we will keep you updated.

20

Is the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine safe for people with chronic illnesses such as
hypertension, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Ischemic Heart Disease, and diabetes?

Persons with chronic illnesses are at risk of severe COVID-19. Therefore it is highy recommended for people with chronic illnesses to receive the vaccine

21

What is the duration of protection and long-term persistence of efficacy?

We do not have the information yet but we will monitor the data and inform you about this. Should you need a repeat dose after the second dose, we will inform you about it

22

After I got vaccinated, do I still need to be vigilant and practice public health measures?

Yes. Because the vaccine will not be effective immediately. In clinical trials, the efficacy is about 95% in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 disease 2 weeks after completing the second dose of the vaccine. Therefore, it is possible that some vaccinated persons may still become infected after vaccination, though the risk is lower. Furthermore, we are still unsure if a vaccinated person could still have an asymptomatic infection after being vaccinated. Asymptomaric individuals can still transmit the disease. In addition, the vaccine will not be available immediately for most of the population. These points makes it necessary for everyone including the vaccinated person to continue with the public health measures that we have been following. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Always practice 3Ws, wear a mask, wash your hand and watch your distance.

23

If I am contraindicated to receive the mRNA vaccine and I want to be vaccinated, is there an option?

You may consider other non-mRNA vaccine. However, it is subjected to vaccine availability.

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