The Health Ministry today has made the decision to allow walk-ins as an option for COVID-19 booster shots.
Just yesterday evening, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin chaired the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force (CITF) meeting to further deliberate on the likelihood of walk-in facilities for booster shot recipients.
They came to a decision yesterday the walk-in registration is implemented for; those eligible for a booster shot earlier than their appointment dates; yet to receive their first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine; missed their appointments; as well as those aged between 12 and 17 years old.
Walk-Ins for Eligible Individuals
The priority for the booster doses, however, is for frontliners; security and defence personnel; individuals aged 40 and above; individuals aged 18 and above with comorbidity; occupants and personnel at long term health care centres; pregnant mothers; and those required to go overseas.
Khairy said those succeeding in registering themselves onto the waiting list will be contacted by the private medical practitioner involved should there be a cancellation of appointment or a no-show.
After a launching event promoting Malaysia as a destination for Hepatitis C treatment, Khairy responded to an inquiry pertaining to the government’s plans to address those failing to turn up for their booster shot appointments.
They amounted to 40%, notified of their appointments through the MySejahtera phone app.
He also addressed claims pertaining to booster shot recipients being turned away from the vaccination centres (PPVs).
In response, he explained the administration of booster shots wholly depends on the interval period from their last jab. Those who received the Pfizer vaccine are to wait six months before receiving their booster shot.
On the other hand, those who received the Sinovac vaccine will receive their booster dose after three months.
Recipients may proceed with their booster dose, with discretion if they were a few days early from their interval period.
Those weeks or a month short of their interval period will need to wait for their appointment notifications sent via the MySejahtera app or an SMS message.
Doses for the Vaccinated and Unvaccinated
The minister also provided assurance that the government has enough stock of booster vaccines for distribution to every adult in this country.
“So what we have set aside now is enough to vaccinate people who have not been vaccinated as well as people who are going to require the booster doses.”
-Health Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin
To this date, 98% of adults in the country have since received their first dose of vaccine.
He explained however that the matter of when exactly the country will be fully vaccinated lies in the hands of anti-vaxxers. This is because they are the portion left that determines whether Malaysia will or can be fully vaccinated.
Those willing to be vaccinated must already have gotten their doses already, he explained. Therefore, the target depends on those who refuse the vaccination which presently, amounts to approximately 2% of the population.
Additionally, Khairy also emphasised his ministry will continue outreach programmes catering especially to undocumented migrants and refugee communities.
The ministry believes the new walk-in approach to the vaccination programme will encourage those eligible and unvaccinated to voluntarily receive their shots without a long wait.
It also assists in the vaccine distribution, helping to ensure no wastage and optimal use.
Aside from the walk-in registration vaccination centres, it can also be done via telephone and e-mail. Starting November 22nd, simply refer to the contact details of the centres to book yourself an appointment via ProtectHealth.
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