PUTRAJAYA – Guidelines for undocumented migrants and refugees to receive Covid-19 vaccine shots have been approved, said National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme coordinating minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
He said the guidelines have been approved by the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) to enable undocumented migrants and refugees to be present at vaccination centres (PPV) for vaccination and the details on the matter would be announced later.
In a virtual interview with the media recently, Khairy said NGOs such as the Red Crescent would be involved in the vaccination exercise for refugees and undocumented migrants.
“Illegal immigrants and refugees would be more comfortable if the PPV is handled by NGOs which have been given health services to this group. In this way, they would not be afraid to go to the PPV for vaccination,” he said.
Khairy who hoped the guidelines would encourage undocumented migrants and refugees to come forward for their Covid-19 vaccine shots said: “We hope illegal immigrants and refugees who had obtained their vaccine jabs would inform their friends from the same country to come forward for their inoculation as well.
“Do not be afraid to go to the PPV for vaccination, this is important because they are at risk and also put others at risk. No one is safe until everyone is safe,” he said.
Asked if Operation Surge Capacity – which covers Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, would be extended to other states – Khairy said the decision to implement the operation at other locations would be determined based on the incidence rate of Covid-19 infections.
Under Operation Surge Capacity each adult in the Klang Valley would be ensured of receiving at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose by August 1.
On complaints over long waits for first jab appointments, Khairy said the algorithm used in the MySejahtera app for appointment was according to the vaccine registration date.
Nonetheless, the appointment was given according to locations and phases of priority determined by national immunisation drive.
“As an example, Rembau district has completed phase 2 of the programme, so appointments for phase 3 would be given out and will be based on the stipulated sequence.
“There are some hospitals which have a waiting list that is for those who frequent the clinic or hospital for treatment. Priority would be given to them,” he said. – Bernama, July 26, 2021
