CITF approves vaccination guidelines for undocumented migrants, refugees

The guidelines for undocumented immigrants and refugees to receive Covid-19 vaccine shots have been approved, says National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) coordinating minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

He said the guidelines were approved by the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) to enable illegal immigrants and refugees to be present at vaccination centres (PPVs) for vaccination, with the details to be announced later.

In a virtual interview with the media recently, Khairy said NGOs such as the Red Crescent would be involved in the vaccination exercise for refugees and illegal immigrants.

“Illegal immigrants and refugees will be more comfortable if the PPV is handled by NGOs which have been giving health services to this group. This way, they will not be afraid to go to the PPV for vaccination,” he said.

Khairy said he hoped the guidelines would encourage illegal immigrants and refugees to come forward for vaccination.

“We hope illegal immigrants and refugees who have obtained their vaccine jabs will inform their friends from the same country to come forward for their inoculation as well,” he said.

“Do not be afraid to go to the PPV for vaccination. This is important because they are at risk and also put others at risk. No one is safe until everyone is safe,” he added.

Asked if Operation Surge Capacity would be extended to other states, Khairy said any decision to implement the operation at other locations would be determined based on the incidence rate of Covid-19 outbreaks.

Under Operation Surge Capacity, which was introduced to contain the spread of Covid-19 in the Klang Valley, each adult in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor is ensured of receiving at least one dose of vaccine by Aug 1.

On complaints by many who have yet to receive their appointment for vaccination despite registering a long time ago, Khairy said the algorithm used in the MySejahtera application for appointments works according to the vaccine registration date.

However, he said appointments are also given according to location and phases of priority determined by PICK.

“For example, the Rembau district has completed Phase Two of PICK, so appointments for Phase Three will be given out and this is based on the stipulated sequence.

“There are some hospitals which have waiting lists, that is for those who frequent the clinic or hospital for treatment. Priority is given to them,” he said.