Go get them the jabs, guardians of children told

GEORGE TOWN: Parents of children aged between five and 11 who did not manage to register them for the first dose of Covid-19 vaccination via MySejahtera have been encouraged to at least do so at private clinics.

This is because they need to be vaccinated to prevent severe cases of Covid-19.

Penang health committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin said children who have been vaccinated are reported to experience milder symptoms if they do contract Covid-19.

“Children are reported to experience more serious symptoms than adults when they contract the virus.

“They might experience symptoms like seizures and multiple organ failures.

“Parents who miss the deadline should get their children vaccinated as soon as possible even if it means forking out some money.

“There are several vaccination centres and health clinics in Penang that are still open,” she said.

A check on the CovidNow website showed that only 48.3% of children aged five to 11 have received their first dose, while 32.9% have received their second dose.

In Penang, 52.5% of eligible children have received their first dose, while 41.9% have received their second.

Earlier, ProtectHealth Corporation Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Dr Anas Alam Faizli said parents whose children turn five after May 31 have until Jan 15, 2023, to book the first dose for free.

He said all the first-dose appointments for the five to 11 group after May 31 will not be valid. Instead, they can walk in to the nearest Health Ministry clinics to be attended to on a “first come, first served” basis.

“For those in this age group who have contracted Covid-19, they may receive their first dose six months after recovery or by Aug 30,” he added.

The National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme for Children (PICKids) was initially slated to end on May 15 but was extended to today.