Macau Health Bureau (SSM) urges high-risk groups to get COVID-19 jab

 jun26

Considering that severe paediatric cases have been reported in neighbouring regions and the COVID-19 situation in Macau has recently become more active, the Health Bureau (SSM) urges high-risk groups to receive the LP.8.1 COVID-19 vaccination, including the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, and immunocompromised persons, according to a SSM statement yesterday.

Residents can make a vaccination appointment by the link: https://eservice.ssm.gov.mo/covidvacbook

As taking antiviral drugs within five days of symptoms onset can effectively reduce the risk of severe illness and death, the bureau urged residents in a statement that those infected should seek medical attention promptly and use antiviral drugs.

According to the statement, in Macau, COVID-19 cases typically peak every five to six months. After the previous peak subsided in early June last year, the virus remained at low levels for about a year. However, according to laboratory surveillance data, the recent positivity rate for COVID-19 tests in Macau has been rising continuously. 

The statement pointed out that in the last week (Week 24 of this year), the positivity rate reached 17.0 percent, exceeding the alert threshold of 14.5 percent and marking a significant increase from 6.8 percent in Week 23. 

The Health Bureau said it expects the virus to remain active in the coming weeks. Since last month, Macau has recorded 68 clusters of influenza-like illness; two recent clusters, both occurring in care homes, were caused by COVID-19, the statement said.

High-risk individuals who develop fever or respiratory symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 are advised to take rapid antigen tests promptly. If positive, they should seek medical care at hospitals or health centres as soon as possible to obtain antiviral drugs, the statement said, adding that the Health Bureau has already provided appropriate medical services, including antiviral prescriptions for eligible individuals in care homes affected by the recent clusters, in accordance with its support mechanism.

The statement pointed out that so far this year, Macau has not recorded any severe or fatal COVID-19 cases. 

The statement noted that the LP.8.1 vaccine* currently provided by the Health Bureau offers good protection against the circulating variants and can effectively reduce the risk of severe illness and death. 

https://www.macaupostdaily.com/news/28548