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One million senior citizens given at least first dose of vaccine

A total of 229,462 have completed both doses.

Bernama
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A senior citizen receives a shot of vaccine against Covid-19 in George Town, Penang. Photo: Bernama
A senior citizen receives a shot of vaccine against Covid-19 in George Town, Penang. Photo: Bernama

One million senior citizens nationwide have received a first dose of vaccine under the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK), says Women, Family and Community Development Minister Rina Harun.

She said of the total, 229,462 individuals had completed two doses while the rest had received a first dose since the second phase of the vaccination exercise which prioritises senior citizens commenced in April.

“In total, 60% of the 3.5 million senior citizens aged 60 and above have registered for vaccination through the MySejahtera application.

“We have seen an increase in the number of those who want to get the vaccine. This shows the awareness of the people, not only to register but to receive the vaccine too,” she told reporters after visiting the Social Welfare Department institution for PICK at Rumah Sejahtera Senior Care Centre in Sikamat, today.

On the suitability of the type of vaccine for the group, she said each senior would be given an explanation by a health expert at the vaccination centre.

She said that her ministry, through the relevant agencies, is also identifying the best method to detect the elderly who are homeless, to be given the vaccine.

Rina suggested that all levels of society play a role and be more aggressive in encouraging the other 40% of the group to register for vaccination.

She said family members, communities and NGOs need to implement a “whole of society” approach to ensure that information related to the vaccination programme reaches the elderly.