ALOR STAR – A total of 10,827 individuals who registered for the Covid-19 vaccination have failed to turn up for their appointment between April 19 and May 22 in Kedah, while almost 10,000 individuals did not show up for their scheduled session in Kelantan.
However, health directors of both states assured that the unused doses did not go to waste.
Kedah Health director Dr Mohd Fikri Ujang said the number for the state involves 35% of the 30,100 persons who registered and were given appointments via the MySejahtera app under Phase 2 of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.
“(Due to the no-shows,) the vaccines were administered to those on a waiting list who met the Phase 2 criteria, namely the elderly and those suffering from chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, heart problems and so on.”
He said among the reasons given by those who default on their appointment include worry and not being prepared to get the jab.
There were those who cited being unwell, undergoing quarantine, being out of the area and not having transport to go to the vaccination centre, as well as those who wanted to make a last-minute change to their appointment date, he added.
Kelantan Health director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin also said no-shows will be replaced with others under the same criteria.
“In fact, many Kelantanese hope they will get vaccinated without having to wait for a date, given through the MySejahtera app.”
However, he advised the public to constantly check the app to find out their invitation status for the vaccination.
He also reminded the public to not simply walk in for vaccination as the authorities already have a list of substitute recipients for those absent at the centres.
“Please be patient and wait for your turn. Getting vaccinated early does not mean you don’t need to follow the standard operating procedures.” – Bernama, May 26, 2021
