Announcement on inclusion of kids aged 12-17 in vaccine drive next week: KJ

KUALA LUMPUR – Children aged between 12 and 17 will soon be included in Malaysia’s Covid-19 vaccination drive, said Khairy Jamaluddin.

In a series of tweets today, the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme coordinating minister said an announcement will be made next week, adding that priority will be given to adolescents who meet the set criteria.

The announcement will be made by the Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access Guarantee Special Committee (JKJAV), and will include information on how the vaccination will be implemented and the latest clinical guideline updates, he said.

This comes after a leaked circular signed by Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah dated yesterday.

The Health Ministry has yet to confirm the matter.

It also comes mere weeks before schools are set to reopen beginning September 1, and amid pressure from various quarters to get under-18s inoculated against the coronavirus.

As per @DGHisham’s latest circular following revised recommendations to @JKJAVMY, PICK will start giving vaccinations to 12-17 year olds with the following priority order:
1) 12-17 w/ underlying medical conditions
2) 12-17 w/ no medical issues based on age de-escalation.

— Khairy Jamaluddin ??? (@Khairykj) August 13, 2021

The leaked circular, which has since gone viral, said the immunisation programme will be expanded to include 12- to 15-year-olds with underlying medical conditions, and those aged 16 and 17 with or without certain medical conditions.

Its implementation, which is scheduled to start in the middle of next month, will depend on whether there is enough vaccine supply in the country.

It will be conducted at selected vaccination centres and special jab sites at health facilities, as well as through an outreach programme.

According to the circular, a pre-vaccination assessment will be conducted by medical staff on those with a history of serious allergies to medicines and other vaccines, individuals with a weak immune system, and those taking anticoagulants or have a tendency to bleed.

These individuals’ current health condition, medical and allergy history, and medication being taken will be taken into account to determine whether they are fit to receive the jab, which vaccine brand is suitable, and the best time for them to get the shot.

Based on these assessments, said Dr Noor Hisham, the personnel on duty will provide a slip indicating whether the individual can be immunised at any time or if it should be deferred, or if “it is an absolute contraindication”.

Patients must carry this slip with them when showing up for their jab. – The Vibes, August 13, 2021