Those aged between 12 and 17 years old can register on the MySejahtera mobile application to get vaccinated against Covid-19, but no appointments will be provided for now.
The Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) said the current priority is to vaccinate the country’s adult population.
The CITF said it is holding back on vaccinating teenagers for now to avoid risks of myocarditis and pericarditis, as based on a study in the US.
Myocarditis refers to inflammation of the heart muscle while pericarditis refers to inflammation of the fibrous sac surrounding the heart.
“However, examination students who have or will attain the age of 18 this year, such as those taking STPM and STAM, will receive their Covid-19 vaccination appointments,” it said in a statement.
At present, the government’s policy on teenagers is that they should only get the Covid-19 vaccine if they are suffering from an existing chronic disease.
Only the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine will be administered to this group. It said a clinical guideline is being drafted for this cohort.
“At the same time, efforts are underway to expedite the vaccination of teachers as well as school staff and supporting staff in preparation for the reopening of schools,” it said.
The reopening of schools is expected to begin in September.
The CTIF said the focus is now to immunise all senior citizens and also the adult population, particularly in the Klang Valley, which is worst hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. - Mkini
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