[UPDATED] Kelantan to get 438,000 vaccine doses in July, on track to achieve herd immunity: MB

TUMPAT – Kelantan is on track to achieve herd immunity, with 70% to 80% of its population to get the Covid-19 jab by October, said Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob.

He said this is based on the smooth vaccination process, with more vaccine supply slated to be sent to the state from this month.

“Kelantan is expected to receive 438,000 vaccine doses this month, with delivery to be done in stages every week.

“Today, 200 people will receive the vaccine. The programme here will be for four days and involve 800 recipients,” he told reporters after visiting a vaccination outreach programme in Pasir Pekan, here, today.

Ahmad advised the people in the state to continue to comply with the set standard operating procedures, especially during the coming Aidiladha celebration, to ensure daily Covid-19 cases remain low in the state.

Yesterday, Kelantan recorded 89 new coronavirus cases, with 2,467 patients still receiving treatment.

Meanwhile, Kelantan health director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said the state’s daily vaccination capacity will be doubled from the current 15,000 doses to 30,000 with the incoming supply. 

He said the Fire and Rescue Department has agreed to provide helicopters to facilitate the immunisation drive in the state’s interior.

“The Fire and Rescue Department has agreed to help the Health Department implement a vaccination programme in places that are difficult to access by land vehicles.

“We have prepared the schedule for the programme, which is expected to be carried out in the middle of this month or early August.”

Last month, National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme coordinating minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the government will supply Kelantan with the single-shot CanSino vaccine starting July, with the jab to be administered to Orang Asli and other rural residents. – Bernama, July 11, 2021