By Amin Ridzuan Ishak
The Tok Batin of Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Bangkong, Taha Akhir, said several teens have yet to receive their appointments under the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) especially those who are no longer in school.
He added this has caused worry, and the introduction of the Teen Selvax programme on October 24 has been a source of much relief for those awaiting for their Covid-19 vaccine.
“All the adults in our village have been fully vaccinated, now we encourage our teenagers to seek protection from the pandemic.
“This programme is a good thing, teens who have been left behind can come for their vaccination immediately, without having to wait for long,” Taha said when met at Dewan Orang Ramai Kampung Ulu Chuchoh earlier today, where the programme is underway.
One participant, Muhammad Aimar Adani Azmi, 15, said the briefing process by the health personnel on duty prior to being vaccinated boosted his confidence. He admits he was worried beforehand about the side-effects of inoculation.
“The procedure was orderly and went along smoothly. There was no long wait, plus the vaccination centre was close to home,” he said.
The Teen Selvax programme began in the Port Klang state constituency, and has been expanded to several others, including Pandamaran, Bukit Lanjan, and Tanjung Sepat.
Earlier on October 7, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari announced the state vaccination programme would be expanded to teenagers, involving 150,000 doses, after the Health Ministry granted its approval.
In June, Selangor launched Selvax Komuniti dan Selvax Industri to complete and expedite the vaccination process for residents in the state.
The RM200 million initiative was certified by the federal government, and is included in PICK’s framework, targeting low-income groups, senior citizens, and industry workers.
