Surging ahead to Aug 1

PUTRAJAYA: The Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) has embarked on an ambitious plan to vaccinate every adult in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor by Aug 1.

Codenamed “Operation Surge Capacity”, the mission will see over 6.1 million residents aged 18 and above in the two states having received at least one vaccine dose by that date.

National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme coordinating minister Khairy Jamaluddin said for the operation to succeed, the government will have to increase its vaccination supply and capacity in Klang Valley.

“Right now, the capacity to vaccinate in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor is 180,000 doses a day. This will increase to 272,000 doses a day.

“Between July 26 and Aug 1, all PPV (vaccination centres) will be able to administer 272,000 doses a day.

“This initiative has received the approval of the National Security Council, and CITF has discussed its implementation with the Selangor Mentri Besar and the Federal Territories Minister.

“The operation is to address the rising Covid-19 case figures in Klang Valley,” said Khairy at the weekly CITF joint press conference with Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.

As of July 15, about 3.5 million adults in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor have received their first vaccine doses.

“We are expecting 1.3 million more adults to get their first doses from now until July 25, and the remaining 1.3 million to receive their jabs between July 25 to August 1,” said Khairy as he urged all adults to register for the national Covid-19 vaccination programme if they have not done so.

“To date, there are still 11% of those aged 18 and above in the Klang Valley who have not registered,” said Khairy.

Upon the completion of Operation Surge Capacity, Khairy said all PPV in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor will allow walk-ins.

“This is so that we can ‘mop up’ anybody that has not received their first dose in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

“Some people may not have been captured by the Statistics Department’s data, while there are those who are undocumented,” said Khairy.

More good news is in store for senior citizens in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, who can now walk into any PPV in the Klang Valley to be vaccinated beginning today.

However, he stressed that this initiative is only for those who still do not have a vaccination appointment date.

“Those who have already received their appointment dates are advised to stick to their appointments. Do not walk in,” he said.

Senior citizens participating in the walk-in initiative will be given special lanes at the PPV.

“For senior citizens who have not registered with MySejahtera, their registration will be done at the PPV,” he said.

“If need be, the PPV workers will obtain contact details of their family members or guardians so they can be reminded to get their second dose.”