LABUAN: The Covid-19 National Immunisation Programme for Children (PICKids) is expected to run for a month, says Labuan Health Department director Dr Ismuni Bohari.
He said the immunisation programme would involve at least 11,600 children aged between five and 11.
“Although the exercise is on a voluntary basis, we encourage parents to get their children vaccinated,” he told Bernama after launching PICKids at the Labuan Hospital here yesterday.
He said the existing vaccination centre (PPV) at the Dewan Darul Kifayah would be used for the vaccination exercise, which operates until 8pm on weekdays.
“We can set up another PPV as agreed by the Labuan Education Department at SK Sungai Lada and SK Pekan 2 to expedite the exercise.
“We will continue to create awareness on the importance of the vaccine for children, including holding engagement sessions with parents and Parent-Teacher Association representatives as well as counselling sessions,” he said.
Dr Ismuni said a Facebook live question-and-answer session would run next week for parents who want to know more about PICKids.
“The PICKids programme is important in view of the upward trend in Covid-19 cases,” he said, adding that children could also get their vaccination jabs at authorised private clinics via appointment.