No govt mpox vaccination plans yet

The government has not planned to implement a vaccination programme for mpox in the country.

Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said so far there has been no discussion on the matter but an in-depth study should be done first if there is a need to implement it.

"So far we have not even talked about this vaccine and also if there is, we will fully study the requirements.

“If we look at the guidelines and also the way of infection, it can be avoided if the individual takes precautions such as practising personal hygiene and others.

"Usually the symptoms of mpox infection can be seen clearly through physical signs such as spots on the body and the patient can feel the effects," he told reporters after officiating the 34th Malaysia-Thailand Border Health Scientific Conference today.

No new cases of infection have been recorded in the country, but the ministry is always closely monitoring and will issue an official statement from time to time, he assured.

He said for now there is no obstacle for Malaysians to go abroad but they must always be vigilant and take necessary measures to avoid infection.

According to him, the government is also implementing strict controls at the country's entrance and border checkpoints as a precautionary measure.

"So far the process we are doing is the same as during the (Covid-19) pandemic. All precautionary measures have been taken by the relevant agencies, especially at the immigration checkpoints, airport and also at the border and we will refer to them if there is a need," he added.

Previously, the Health Ministry in a statement said that it is always prepared through the strengthening of surveillance and advocacy activities related to mpox, including increasing monitoring at all international entry points.

This follows the World Health Organization declaring mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for the second time on Aug 14.

- Bernama

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