Deputy health minister Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali said they are prepared to meet with anti-vaccine groups to provide them with facts and information on the Covid-19 vaccine, based on authentic clinical studies.

He said he could help arrange the meeting which would also involve the minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

“I would like to suggest that these groups meet us. We can have a frank discussion and we will provide authentic clinical data on the vaccination for them to see.

“Do not spread fake news about the Covid-19 vaccine. Those who do this may end up facing action by the communications and multimedia ministry,” Bernama reported him as saying in Dewan Negara today.

He was replying to a question from Wan Martina Wan Yusoff on the government’s action against anti-vaxxers who had, among others, exploited data on the CovidNow portal to influence the people against taking the vaccine.

Last Saturday, Khairy said the government would take a vigorous approach against those who refused to be vaccinated by “continuing to make their life difficult”.

However, he said those who cannot be vaccinated due to health reasons would not be affected as they would be provided exemption under the MySejahtera.

Noor Azmi was of the view that the groups had not been given a clear explanation on the Covid-19 vaccine, adding that the decision to carry out the vaccination programme was made after taking into account the results of studies that were conducted either locally or abroad.

He said the MOH had previously stated that vaccination was not a cure against Covid-19 but it could help boost the immune system to fight the virus.

On the Covid-19 booster shots, he said there were studies that showed immunity against the virus might wane six months after receiving the vaccine, adding that is why a third dose will help.

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