Refusal to mix vaccines slows Penang’s booster campaign

 

Elderly people in Penang are being urged to come forward for Covid-19 vaccine booster shots.

PETALING JAYA: Refusal to mix vaccines has been blamed for Penang’s slow uptake when it comes to the Covid-19 booster shots.

State executive councillor for health, Norlela Ariffin, said about 40% eligible recipients for the booster shot did not turn up for their appointment, Bernama reported.

“Based on the information received, some of them refuse to accept a combination of two different doses of vaccines. That is why Penang is among the lowest five states for booster dose recipients,” she said.

Last month, the health ministry decided to administer booster shots to those who had been fully vaccinated with Sinovac. The recipients would be given booster shots of the Pfizer vaccine.

The Drug Control Authority has since granted conditional approval for the use of AstraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines as booster shots.

To date, almost 35,000 individuals have received their booster jabs, Norlela said.

Norlela said those who are refusing to get the booster jabs would make it difficult for the state to curb the spread of the virus.

In calling for senior citizens and high-risk groups to take the Covid-19 vaccine booster shots, Norlela said the state government is now working to raise awareness on the administration of booster doses in Penang.

This included setting up vaccination centres in efforts to provide better access for people in the state.

There are currently 74 private clinics and eight hospitals operating as booster dose facilities, with a capacity of 1,500 doses a day.

Starting tomorrow, the public can walk-in to any private vaccination centre statewide to get their booster shot.

FMT previously reported a dearth of official information as a reason for hesitancy in accepting Covid-19 booster jabs. - FMT