Dr Adham: States with Covid-19 vaccination rate under 55% to get more outreach programmes

PUTRAJAYA: Special attention is to be given to Sabah, Kelantan, Kedah, Johor, Perak, Terengganu and Pahang, as these states have recorded vaccination rates of less than 55%, with more outreach programmes to be held so that those in rural and remote areas can be inoculated.

This is among decisions made at the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF), where through the whole of government approach, agencies such as the Armed Forces and the usage of assets will be roped in to reach out to as many people as possible and to get them vaccinated.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba (pic) said this at the CITF meeting, which he jointly chaired with Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, where it was also proposed that at least 10% of the total number of vaccines distributed to states be allocated to industry vaccination centres.

“This is in line with discussions made during the recent National Security Council meeting to boost efforts to vaccinate foreign and local workers through such centres,” he said in a statement on Friday (Sept 3).

Dr Adham said among vaccination strategies that had been agreed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is to expedite the inoculation process at east coast states and Johor to avoid disruption during monsoon season.

“For Sabah, the proposal is to prioritise vaccination for citizens and industries,” said the minister.

On mobile vaccination initiatives, Dr Adham said that 17 organisations had been given the go-ahead to implement it under the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme, adding that drive-through, as well as walk-in initiatives, have been enhanced to encourage people to be vaccinated.

Among the latest walk-in initiatives are allowing individuals in Sabah and Terengganu who are above 18 to walk in for vaccination.

In Pahang, Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above in Bera can walk in to get vaccinated beginning Sept 6, while those in Bentong, Lipis and Cameron Highlands can do so beginning Sept 6.

In Penang, walk-ins will be allowed for senior citizens aged 60 and above and in Johor, the service is available at selected vaccination centres depending on districts.