LABUAN – Now that Labuan has achieved herd immunity against Covid-19, the federal territory is preparing to vaccinate children aged between 12 and 17 years once the federal government gives the go-ahead.
Labuan Health Department director Dr Ismuni Bohari said a comprehensive vaccination roll-out plan had been drawn up to achieve almost 100% immunity for the island’s estimated 103,000 population.
“We are ready to offer vaccines to children of 12 to 17 years; we’re waiting for the nod from the federal government,” he said today.
On July 27, Labuan completed fully vaccinating 80% of its adult population to become the first among federal territories and states in the country to achieve herd immunity against Covid-19.
By July 29, the federal territory had immunised 56,471 or 82.44% of the 68,500 adults listed as eligible for the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK).
Also, as of July 29, at least 97.08% or 66,500 of the total 68,500 adults have received the first dose of the vaccine.
Dr Ismuni said a vaccination mop-up programme for unvaccinated villagers 18 years and above is being carried out in collaboration with the people’s representative council and village chiefs.
“A mobile healthcare team formed recently will continue a house-to-house vaccination exercise for bedridden patients, the elderly, and people with disabilities,” he said.
Dr Ismuni said experienced counsellors would soon provide advice on the benefits of vaccination to fence-sitters and those hesitant to get immunised against Covid-19.
“We are determined to educate between 5% and 10% of local folks who are on the fence about vaccination. We believe there are still those who are doubtful about vaccination.
“Although it is not a mandatory exercise, we are looking into achieving almost 100% herd immunity. There should be more engagement sessions with these people,” he said.
Dr Ismuni said that cooperation would be established with the various industry players and business premise owners on vaccination for their employees, both locals and migrants. – Bernama, July 30, 2021
