KUALA LUMPUR – The Covid-19 vaccination programme for children aged five to 12 will be rolled out on February 3, with bookings for appointments starting on January 31, said Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
He said in a press conference today that the first and second doses will be given within an eight-week interval.
He added the soft launch of the programme will commence with the first jab on February 3 at Tunku Azizah Hospital here after the first batch of Pfizer-BioNTech’s Comirnaty vaccines arrive.
The mass public roll-out of appointments will begin in earnest on February 22.
However, the vaccination programme is not mandatory.
“The interval will provide high immunity and long-term protection, as well as reduce the risks of side effects.”
Khairy said parents can begin registering for their children’s appointments by the end of January.
He also urged employees to give non-recorded leave to parents sending their children for vaccination appointments.
Khairy added that the ministry expected 70% of children in the age group to receive at least one dose within the first two months of implementation.
According to the Health Ministry earlier today, children aged five to 12 will be given paediatric doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine, which has been approved by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency.
“The Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty paediatric dose is currently the only approved vaccine for this age group, which has been proven to be safe and effective.”
“Children with comorbidities and at high risk of severe Covid-19 disease will be prioritised.”
Those who are not eligible are children with a history of severe allergies or who experience anaphylaxis against medicines, food, unknown ingredients, and any allergic reaction against ingredients in the Covid-19 vaccines.
The ministry reiterated that the paediatric dose is one-third the dosage given to adolescents. – The Vibes, January 20, 2022
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