By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Feb 16: Malaysians can now download the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme Guidebook via www.VaksinCovid.gov.my to get detailed information regarding the largest vaccination programme ever to be carried out in the country which will be rolled out on Feb 26.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin disclosed that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will arrive in Malaysia on Feb 21.
“And the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme will be rolled out starting Feb 26 in which I will receive the first jab on the day together with frontliners,” he said during the virtual launching of the guidebook today.
The guidebook, he emphasised, was published to provide detail information regarding the policy of the vaccination programme.
“The document will not only be a reference for policymakers and implementator, but also that of the community.
“This is another step forward in our success in implementing the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme,” he said.
This comprehensive immunisation programme, Muhyiddin emphasised was to herd immunity can be formed to break the chain of Covid-19 infections and end the pandemic.
“In short, the vaccination is very important to protect not only ourselves but also our loved ones including family members, colleagues, neighbours and entire community.
“This is the meaning of the programme slogan – Protect Self, Protect All. When all of our people are protected and the programme is successfully implemented, we will begin to see the positive impact.
“All sectors of economy will be reopen such as tourism. We can visit one another, enjoy sports activities together, but in a new normal,” he said of the vaccine arrival providing a ray of hope for Malaysia to win the war against Covid-19.
Muhyiddin expressed optimism that a new chapter will be opened with the start of the vaccination programme at the end of the month.
As had been announced, he reiterated that the immunisation programme will be rolled out in three phases with the first phase involving some 500,000 frontliners starting on Feb 26 until April 2021.
The second phase will involved high-risk group including senior citizens, vulnerable people aged 60 and above with comorbid conditions like heart disease, obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure as well as people with disabilities (OKU).
An estimated 9.4 million people will receive the vaccine under this second phase, which will run from April to August 2021.
The third phase which will start from May 2021 to February 2022 will involve remaining some 13.7 million recipients of adults aged 18 years and above with priority given to the red zone followed by yellow zone and green zone.
“As such, let’s not take this (immunisation) lightly. When the time comes, don’t hesitate to register to get the vaccine.
“Ensure that we are present at the time scheduled for the first as well as the second dose, because when we are protected, we will also protect others especially our loved ones,” he added.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Dr Adham Baba and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Khairy Jamaluddin were present. — DayakDaily
