The Penang government is concerned about the slow progress of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme for Children (PICKids) in the state where only 49.5% of children aged five to 11 years had received a first dose and 37.7% a second dose as of May 8.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow urged parents to bring their children for the Covid-19 vaccine injection immediately.
He said the statistics were shared by the State Health Department through the State Special Security Committee on Covid-19 Management at a meeting today.
“JKNPP also informed that children infected with Covid-19 are at risk of developing multi system inflammatory syndrome which is very dangerous and can lead to death,” he said in a statement.
He said parents should make the right decision by bringing their children to get vaccinated before May 15, the deadline for free jabs set by the health ministry.