GEORGE TOWN – Refugees and vagrants in Penang will be vaccinated against Covid-19 as the state works with Doctors Without Borders and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to complete the task.
Penang health exco Dr Norlela Ariffin told The Vibes that some 20,000 people are registered with UNHCR, but because of their fear of arrest or being detained by immigration authorities, they are unlikely to get vaccinated under the mainstream programme.
She added that if they were all detained in immigration depots, this might result in more Covid-19 clusters, so the relevant agencies are looking into arranging mobile vaccinations for refugee groups.
UNHCR has expressed that a one-dose vaccine is preferred as refugees are often moving around. So far, the Johnson&Johnson single-dose vaccine has been approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) while the CanSino single-dose has yet to be recognised.
“At this stage, any vaccine is good. We want at least 70% of the population here to be vaccinated.
“I want the people to know that we are not prioritising refugees ahead of Malaysians. We just want to finish vaccinating the people as soon as possible,” she said, adding that the meeting for the one-dose vaccine approval is set for June 21.
The vaccine roll-out for the two groups is expected to be similar to the ones for the 87 old folks’ homes in the state previously.
Dr Norlela hopes Penang will have herd immunity by August or September and has pushed for on-site vaccination at factories for economic frontliners.
Those who want to register their workers or register for on-site vaccinations in their factory premises can now register online with the International Trade and Industry Ministry.
According to Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) Penang chapter chairman Datuk Jimmy Ong when speaking to The Vibes, there are plans to set up FMM vaccination centres (PPVs) as the body has more than 36,000 registered members and non-members.
“Another 10 associations have also agreed to join the FMM PPVs. They are now gathering their members to join us,” he said.
As Penang gears up for a higher vaccination rate in the weeks to come, Dr Norlela continues to urge those who have yet to register for vaccination to do so.
“The updated MySejahtera application has an option to select the location where you want to be vaccinated, just remember to enter your postcode correctly so your appointment won’t be assigned to another state.”
The PPVs in Penang so far are – Seberang Prai Arena Convention Centre, Dewan Serbaguna Jawi, Balik Pulau Sports Complex, Sg Bakap Hospital, Seberang Jaya Hospital, Penang General Hospital, Dewan Millenium Kepala Batas, Caring Society Complex, Balik Pulau Hospital, Bukit Mertajam Hospital and Kepala Batas Hospital.
As of yesterday, 154,097 have received their first dose in Penang while 78,088 got their second jab. – The Vibes, June 14, 2021
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