Inoculation to be extended to kids aged five to 11

The vaccination drive for children between five and 11 has been examined and permission granted by the Technical Division of the Ministry of Health (MOH). As such, the Sultanate is currently negotiating with Pfizer regarding vaccine supply.

This was shared by Health Minister Dr Mohd Isham Jaafar at the daily press conference yesterday, adding that the ministry is expecting to receive the vaccine by the first quarter of 2022.

In reference to the red “X” displayed on the BruHealth app for those who have yet to be fully vaccinated, the minister said the government has granted partially vaccinated and unvaccinated employees to return to the office, provided they undergo Covid-19 testing using the antigen rapid test (ART) kit starting today.

“Those inoculated with a single dose need to bring along their vaccination card to prove their immunisation status to the employers,” Mohd Isham said, adding that the easing of restriction is solely for work, not “commercial premises where they may be subject to a different set of requirements”.

The minister also shared that as of Nov 28, some 638 individuals had received the Covid-19 vaccine under the National Vaccination Programme, bringing the total of 403,094 individuals – or 93.7% of the population – having been inoculated with a single dose, while 344,914 individuals – or 80.2% of the population – having completed their vaccination schedule. —Borneo Bulletin/ANN