KUCHING, Sept 8: A total of 380 students aged 16 to 17-years-old of SMK Santubong and Sekolah Seni Malaysia Sarawak have received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at SMK Santubong vaccination centre (PPV) today.
SMK Santubong teen vaccination programme coordinator Dr Syafiq Nasaruddin explained that the vaccination drive involved students from SMK Santubong and Sekolah Seni Malaysia Sarawak.
“Today is the first day of the vaccination programme in which 380 students are involved.
“This is the first vaccination programme for teenagers and kids launched in Sarawak as well as Malaysia,” he told the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) when met today.
In addition, Dr Syafiq said the vaccination process was carried out smoothly in compliance with the standard operating procedures (SOP).
The Sarawak government aims to inoculate all adolescents aged 12 to 17 by the end of October.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said teenagers aged 16 to 17 will be the first batch to be vaccinated before schools reopen on Oct 3.
Vaccination for kids aged between 12 and 15-years-old is expected to start by the end of September and is expected to be completed by the end of October, depending on the vaccine supplies.
Sarawak launched the Covid-19 vaccination programme for children aged below 18 today in six divisions comprising Kuching, Sri Aman, Serian, Sarikei, Sibu and Bintulu today.
Teens with comorbidities will be given priority in the initial stage.
There are a total of 289,200 teenagers aged between 12 and 17-years-old who account for 10.3 per cent of the total population in Sarawak.— DayakDaily
