ALOR STAR – Bedridden patients and sick senior citizens need not worry about missing out on the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme, as the vaccine will be distributed to them via the programme’s mechanism.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said a vaccination team will visit bedridden patients and sick elderly folk to ensure they are covered under the programme.
“We have the mechanism, and will visit the houses of such individuals to ensure they are covered under the vaccination drive,” he said at a joint press conference after meeting Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Noor at Wisma Darul Aman here today.
Khairy said 33.6% of senior citizens in the state have registered for the vaccine, and has asked Sanusi to increase the figure.
“However, Sik district, from which the MB hails, has recorded 55% of registration, which is conducted manually by volunteers.
“Putrajaya has the highest number of people registered for the vaccine at 98%, followed by Selangor at more than 50%.”
The government is currently in discussion with Pfizer to have shots for those aged between 12 and 15, Khairy added, as the pharmaceutical company has clinical trial data for that age group.
“Pfizer is the only company that has conducted clinical trials for young age groups, and we have placed most of our orders with Pfizer.”
On the RM5 billion spent for the vaccination drive, Khairy said RM3 billion was used to procure the vaccine and RM2 billion was for venues, transportation, staff allowances and other expenses.
“I will answer why RM5 billion was spent in a press conference soon.” – The Vibes, April 26, 2021
