KOTA KINABALU – Turning up for Covid-19 vaccinations without prior appointments appears to be a normal occurrence in Sabah.
Commenting on the matter, state Community Development and People’s Well-being Minister Datuk Shahelmy Yahya said this is allowed to avoid vaccine wastage.
“Once a box of vaccines is opened, all the doses must be used.
“What is happening is that some individuals scheduled to get their jab do not show up, and those who walk in without appointments are given the jabs instead.”
Local media reported that there have been those who got their shots despite not scheduling an appointment.
On queue-cutting, Shahelmy said there is none, as Sabah’s vaccine registration is the lowest in the country.
The current vaccination rate in the state’s rural areas stands at only 2.99%.
Shahelmy said there is nothing wrong with wanting to get the vaccine early, but added that supply is still limited.
“All they have to do is follow the required procedures to get the vaccine, even if they do not have appointments.
“But we do not promote this as we do not know how many of those with appointments will not turn up. We also don’t want people to overcrowd the vaccination centres.”
He said those eligible under Phase 2 of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme, especially senior citizens, can go to the vaccination centres and try their luck. – The Vibes, May 10, 2021
