Covid-19 vaccine booster shots should be accelerated, says Penang govt

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FORTY-SIX private clinics and eight private hospitals in Penang are listed as the Covid-19 vaccination centres (PPVs) for eligible individuals to receive their booster shots.

 

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said those eligible have started receiving their booster dose appointments via the MySejahtera app.

 

“A total of 7,808 people has received the third injection of the Covid-19 vaccine as of Oct 26.

 

“The Penang Health Department is closely monitoring the effectiveness of the booster shots.

 

“The state government stresses that the third injection of the Covid-19 vaccine should be accelerated for the safety and health of the people of Penang. It is also to prevent case reports of sudden admissions into hospitals,” he said after receiving the third injection of the Covid-19 vaccine at the Penang Hospital today.

 

Chow gives the thumbs up after receiving the third injection of the Covid-19 vaccine at the Penang Hospital. Nurse supervisor Azizon Saad (right) administers the vaccine shot for Chow.

 

Chow and state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng arrived at the hospital at about noon today and were welcomed by Penang Hospital director Datuk Dr Teo Gim Sian.

 

The medical personnel checked their blood pressure and assessed their health conditions prior to asking them to sign the letters of consent.

 

Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, Penang Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, state Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, Penang Agrotech and Food Security, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin, state Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo, Penang State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang and State Secretary Datuk Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar were present to receive their third injection.

 

Chow (centre), together with his deputies Ahmad Zakiyuddin (left) and Dr Ramasamy (right) show the placards after they have received the third injection of the Covid-19 vaccine.

 

However, Jagdeep, together with state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin and state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee did not manage to receive their booster shots today due to various reasons, such as, health reasons, unavoidable commitments and have not attain at least six months after the second dose.

 

On the National Immunisation Programme (NIP) for youth, Chow said that 89.7% have received the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccines as of Oct 26, while 75% have completed both doses.

 

 

Story by Christopher Tan

Pix by Chan Kok Kuan

Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis