Children above 12 not given vaccination appointment

PUTRAJAYA: Children over the age of 12 who have registered for vaccination have not been given appointments for their inoculation.

According to the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF), it said the MySejahtera app has accepted registration for adolescents but it is for future use when a decision has been made.

“For now, the priority of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme is to complete vaccination for Phase 2 and to improve the implementation of Phase 3 nationwide.

“This includes Operation Surge Capacity for Klang Valley following the high number of cases,” it said in a statement.

CITF also said the Health Ministry will finalise clinical guidelines on the administration of the Pfizer vaccine on adolescents with chronic illnesses and are at risk of contracting Covid-19.

“CITF will announce this once a date on the implementation of vaccination for this group has been decided,” it said.

On July 5, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said Malaysia would prioritise vaccinating children with underlying health conditions first.

The CITF said for now, the government has agreed not to give Covid-19 vaccination for adolescents aged 17 and below, including SPM candidates, to avoid risks of myocarditis and pericarditis.

“However, students sitting for major examinations such as Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia and Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia, including those who will be 18 this year, vaccination plans involving them will proceed as scheduled,” according to the statement.

CITF also said efforts were underway to vaccinate teachers, school staff and support staff in preparation for the reopening of schools.

The exercise will be jointly monitored by the state and district education and health authorities.