The Health Bureau (SSM) is still studying the possibility of administering a third Covid-19 vaccine dose as a booster jab in Macao by keeping a close eye on the latest findings of research studies on the matter around the world.
The bureau’s Control of Communicable Diseases and Surveillance of Diseases Department Coordinator Leong Iek Hou said that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), a third Covid-19 vaccine dose is normally administered in one of two situations. In the first situation, the immunity (antibody levels) of those who have received the two required Covid-19 jabs will gradually decrease after a period of time, in which case a third dose could significantly boost their immunity level against the novel coronavirus.
In the second situation, the latest findings of research studies worldwide have indicated that those with a very weak immune system still could not generate enough antibodies after receiving the two required Covid-19 jabs, because of which a third dose would be needed for them.
Leong underlined that Macao would only roll out a third Covid-19 vaccine dose after the wider availability of research findings worldwide verifying the effectiveness and safety of the administration of a third jab.
The SSM said earlier this month that if Macao rolls out a third Covid-19 vaccine dose, the booster shots would be administered to certain target groups first, such as those with a chronic disease, those with weakened immune system whose antibody levels would normally drop more quickly than others after having been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, and those working in occupations that are potentially subject to a higher risk to the novel coronavirus, such as medical workers and those working in the frozen food sector.
According to recent media reports, Zhuhai has now launched its programme to administer a third Covid-19 vaccine dose as a booster to people in high-risk groups.
In related news, Leong reaffirmed that the SSM aims to roll out a new function on the Macao Health Code as soon as possible that will enable residents to record their whereabouts on their smartphones.
Leong said that the SSM is carrying out testing on the new contact tracing function in the final stage of its development.
Leong added that the bureau has not changed the design of the new contact tracing function on the Macao Health Code system, so users’ travel history records would only be stored on their smartphones after they scan a QR code at the city’s various premises and venues, merely aiming to help them record their whereabouts.
According to Leong, the design means that residents can choose whether or not to scan the QR codes at the premises they visit. Consequently, she said, the new function on the Macao Health Code is different from contact tracing functions on health code systems in the mainland, which are based on big data technology.
