3 ways teens can get their jabs, according to new task force

KUALA LUMPUR – The Health Ministry has outlined three methods for teenagers registered for the Covid-19 vaccine to get their jabs.

This includes scheduled outreach programmes at schools and institutions; hospitals and clinics where teenagers with comorbidities get treatment; and, those unable to get their jabs with their parents/guardians will be given appointments at the closest private clinics via the MySejahtera app.

The announcement was made by the newly formed Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force for Adolescents (CITF-A).

In a statement, the CITF-A said the teenagers will receive two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

“To ease the burden of teenagers who are sitting for major examinations at boarding schools, their first vaccine appointments are at private clinics or other schools near their residence, whereas the second dose will be given at their respective schools or at the location of the first dose if their schools have yet to begin operations.”

It said the second method, which is catered to teenagers with comorbidities, involved vaccination at hospitals or clinics treating them.

Thirdly, the task force said teenages who are unable to attend vaccinations with parents or guardians will be given appointments at the closest private clinics via MySejahtera.

The task force, led by Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali, comprises members from multiple agencies, including the Health Ministry, Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry, Social Welfare Department, ProtectHealth Sdn Bhd, and the Immigration Department, among others.

The Health Ministry is prioritising those aged 16 and 17, those who will sit their examinations and those with comorbidities.

The vaccination programme is also targeting private school students, those in welfare homes, as well as other teenagers from vulnerable groups.

The task force said it aims to inoculate 60% of adolescents aged between 12 and 17 with one vaccine dose by November, and 80% receiving two doses by the 2022 school term. – The Vibes, September 15, 2021