Therefore, he said, optimal protection should be given especially to the groups comprising the elderly, patients with diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes and others with immune system problems.

“For some, Omicron is like the common cold, but for others, it could be serious and bring them harm.

“So for the groups I mentioned earlier, it is highly recommended that they take the booster dose,” he told reporters after visiting Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital here today.

He said this when asked about the possibility of a sharp increase in Covid-19 infections following the expected exodus of Malaysians to their home states for Aidilfitri celebrations soon.

Khairy, who did not rule out the possibility of an increase in infections during the festive celebrations, said efforts to get more people, especially the elderly, to get their booster shots needed to be stepped up.

“I will instruct the state health directors to do this before the celebrations. The government has assured that Malaysian families can return to their hometowns with no restrictions to celebrate Aidilfitri.”

He said unlike children, whose deadline for the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine under the national Covid-19 immunisation programme for children (PICKids) was set for May 15, there is no closing date for the booster dose.

“I am urging senior citizens to get the booster dose. The vaccines have an expiry date and they cannot be stored for too long. They will go to waste if not used,” he said.

According to him, the overall percentage of booster dose intake among adults is 70% so far, while for the elderly it is 77%.

“I hope it can reach 90% for senior citizens soon. It is very important to protect them,” he said.