KUALA LUMPUR – The Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force should consider allowing walk-ins to expedite the national vaccination campaign.
This is among the suggestions to improve the inoculation drive, which was beset with glitches yesterday during the third round of voluntary registrations for the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Pakatan Harapan’s Dusun Tua assemblyman, Edry Faizal Eddy Yusof, in a statement called on the authorities to come up with ways to ensure a more efficient execution of the vaccination programme so as to achieve herd immunity by year-end.
“Even though the vaccine supply is increasing, many on the priority list have yet to get vaccinated.
“Looking at other countries’ approach to their vaccination plans, the government should implement a strategy whereby one can get vaccinated even if they are a walk-in, especially for those living in the outskirts (of urban areas) and high-risk individuals.”
This way, he said, older folk and rural residents who face tech limitations can get the jab more easily.
The Selangor rep said he is opposed to the removal of the AstraZeneca vaccine from the nationwide immunisation programme following public concerns that it could cause blood clots.
Over 8,000 individuals who initially registered for vaccination have declined after finding out they would get the AstraZeneca jab.
“Almost 1.5 million people have registered voluntarily for the AstraZeneca vaccine in Phase 2 of the immunisation programme,” said Edry Faizal.
“Comparing this figure to the 8,000 who opted out, where is the worry and public anxiety mentioned?
“The government needs to realise that the people are desperate for the vaccine given the rise in Covid-19 cases, and should re-include the AstraZeneca vaccine in the national immunisation programme.”
However, national immunisation programme coordinating minister Khairy Jamaluddin this evening said the AstraZeneca vaccine will no longer be an opt-in programme, but included in Malaysia’s inoculation campaign.
Another suggestion is to have the choice to opt out on MySejahtera.
“Even with the desperation (to get vaccinated), there are individuals who are not comfortable getting vaccinated and have concerns about the inoculation process,” said Edry Faizal.
“Some don’t trust the brand of vaccine, some have to take comorbidities and pregnancy into account.
“Some have to consider if they will be able to travel overseas if they receive (a particular brand of) vaccine.
“As of now, registration through MySejahtera does not take these factors into account.
“The government should allow individuals to opt out of the vaccination process.
“Like the opt-in system implemented for the AstraZeneca vaccine, the people should be given the choice to reject other vaccine brands until they have the opportunity to receive the one they want.
“With an allocation of RM70 million for the data integration and appointment systems, the opt-in/out system can be developed.”
These measures will not only help speed up and smoothen the inoculation campaign, but also reduce appointment no-shows, he said. – The Vibes, May 27, 2021
