KJ: Vaccination guidelines for illegal immigrants, refugees approved by CITF

PUTRAJAYA (Bernama): The guidelines for illegal immigrants and refugees to receive Covid-19 vaccine shots have been approved, said Khairy Jamaluddin.

The National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) coordinating minister said the guidelines were approved by the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) to enable illegal immigrants and refugees to be present at vaccination centres (PPVs) for vaccination and the details on the matter would be announced later.

In a virtual interview with the media recently, Khairy said non-governmental organisations such as the Red Crescent would be involved in the vaccination exercise for refugees and illegal immigrants.

"Illegal immigrants and refugees would be more comfortable if the PPVs are handled by NGOs, which have been given health services to this group. In this way, they would not be afraid to go to the PPVs for vaccination,” he said.

Khairy who hoped the guidelines would encourage illegal immigrants and refugees to come forward for their Covid-19 vaccine shots said: "We hope illegal immigrants and refugees who had obtained their vaccine jabs would inform their friends from the same country to come forward for their inoculation as well.

"Do not be afraid to go to the PPVs for vaccination, this is important because they are at risk, and also put others at risk. No one is safe until everyone is safe, " he said.

Asked if the Operation Surge Capacity would be extended to other states, Khairy said the decision to implement the operation at other locations would be determined based on the Covid-19 outbreak rate.

In the Operation Surge Capacity, which was introduced to contain the spread of Covid-19 in Klang Valley, each adult in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor would receive at least one dose of vaccine by Aug 1.

On complaints by many who have yet to receive their appointment for vaccination despite registering for a long time, Khairy said the algorithm used in the MySejahtera application for appointment was according to the vaccine registration date.

Nonetheless, the appointment was given according to locations and phases of priority determined by PICK.

"As an example, Rembau district has completed phase two of PICK, so appointments for phase three would be given out and it is based on the stipulated sequence.

"There are some hospitals which have a waiting list that is for those who frequent the clinic or hospital for treatment. Priority would be given to them,” he said. - Bernama