KUCHING: Sarawak continues to lead and set an example in the implementation of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme for Children (PICKids).
Deputy Health Minister I Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali said other states in Malaysia should emulate and learn from the Sarawak government so that the country could achieve the targeted vaccination rate faster.
“I am very impressed to see the seriousness and focus of all parties involved, even Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin called the state “Sarawak Darul Vaksin’ which means a vaccine state.
“I also understand that as of Feb 9, the 40 per cent increase in the vaccination rate comes from Sarawak. Therefore, it is hoped that this can encourage other states.”
He said this after visiting the implementation of PICKids at Batu Kawa Health Clinic here on Thursday (Feb 10).
Sarawak had started the PICKids since Feb 3 with 286,000 children eligible to be vaccinated or 10.1 per cent of the total population in the state.
“As of Feb 9, a total of 12,301 people or 4.1 per cent of children aged five to 11 in Sarawak have received the first dose of Pfizer vaccine.
“A total of 62,809 or 1.7 per cent of the child population in Malaysia have received the vaccine during the same period.”
On the vaccination administered for adults aged 18 and above, he said 1,876,285 or 91.9 per cent were fully vaccinated, while a total of 259,923 or 88.7 per cent were teenagers aged 12 to 17.
“While 75.8 per cent of the total population in Sarawak has received their booster dose.”
To a question on the vaccination programme in the interior areas, he said it was going to be carried out as usual.
“The outreach by the MoH is still ongoing because we do not exclude anyone and we will send a team to provide services.
“Similarly with the rural areas in Sarawak, for the PICKids programme for rural students, it will also be implemented in their respective schools.”
Also present was Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
