AstraZeneca opt-in programme to expand countrywide: KJ

KUALA LUMPUR – The AstraZeneca vaccine opt-in programme will be made available to the rest of the country, especially those classified as red zones.

In a press conference at the World Trade Centre here, vaccine programme coordinating minister Khairy Jamaluddin said this opt-in scheme for those in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur is unique due to the high number of infections in these areas.

“The AstraZeneca programme expansion will be reviewed after 1.1 million more doses arrive in the country this month.”

He added that the government is looking into opening more vaccination centres (PPVs) to cater to more vaccine recipients while media personnel will be included in Phase 2 of the national immunisation drive starting this month.

“The AstraZeneca vaccination centres also mark the first time the government is using the services of private medical practitioners.

“Individuals involved in the AstraZeneca vaccine control trials three days ago reported experiencing fever as a side effect.”

Today, the voluntary AstraZeneca vaccination programme kicks off at special vaccination centres (PPVs) at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, Universiti Malaya, and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

According to the booking schedules released last Sunday, the PPV at Ideal Convention Centre Shah Alam will start its vaccination programme on May 24.

Queues started as early as 8am, although the first appointments only begin at 9am. Adherence to standard operating procedures are being monitored by health front-line staffers.

Vaccine recipients are required to display their registration on the MySejahtera app before their temperatures are taken. For non-MySejahtera users, MyKad or passports are required.

A pre-screening consultation is then carried out before the jab is administered. After the vaccination, recipients are ushered to a waiting area for further monitoring for about 30 to 45 minutes before leaving so they can leave the premises.

The voluntary AstraZeneca vaccination programme opened for booking last Sunday and some 286,800 slots were snapped up in under four hours.

It is expected that some 2,400 individuals will receive the AstraZeneca shot at WTC here as the PPV is open until 9pm.

The government had promised 286,800 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine would be made available on a voluntary basis here and in Selangor, after concerns were raised regarding the safety of the vaccine.

Two weeks ago, the government announced that the vaccine will be offered on a first-come, first-served voluntary basis to residents.

The move was made to address the people’s concerns and fears about the vaccine, apart from not wanting to disrupt the ongoing national immunisation programme.

Studies show that the AstraZeneca vaccine has a probability of forming blood clots in one out of every 250,000 individuals, or a 0.0004% chance, among those who get the shot. – The Vibes, May 5, 2021