Janet in Other News On June 21, 2021, 12:15 pm

Vaccinations For Those Under 60 To Begin Today In Klang Valley; M’sians Reminded To Check For Appointments

Phase 3 of PICK begins today, 21st June 2021

Many of us are looking forward to getting ourselves vaccinated from COVID-19 since the National Immunisation Programme (PICK) kickstarted back in February 2021. After some waiting, those over 18 years old and under 60 will be receiving their vaccination appointments soon, as Phase 3 of PICK comprising adults in this age group officially begins in Klang Valley today, 21st June 2021.

Phase 3, targeting over 13.7 million, to start in Klang Valley

A small win for the country comes with vaccination rates reaching an all-time high – with more than 220,000 vaccinations administered in a single day on 17th June. By August, the government is looking to raise these numbers to 300,000 a day.

Showing more positive signs of vaccination rates picking up in the country, Phase 3 of PICK – which aims to cover over 13.7 million individuals between 18 and 60 years of age – begins today in KL, Selangor and Putrajaya, as announced by National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme coordinating minister Khairy Jamaluddin, and reported by Bernama on 20th June.

Several Malaysians have already been taking to social media to share how they have received their appointments in Phase 3 at a COVID-19 vaccination centre (PPV) at Bukit Jalil National Stadium. This mega-sized PPV will focus on vaccinating those aged 40 and below, with a capacity of 10,000 doses administered daily, as reported by The Star.

As such, Malaysians in Klang Valley are reminded to check for updates and possible scheduled appointments via MySejahtera.

Image credit: @JKJAVMY

Phase 3 of PICK was set to start in May 2021, covering a majority of the population until February 2022. The delay comes due to the shortage of vaccine supply. But not to worry, as Khairy has assured the public that Malaysia is set to receive over 17 million vaccine doses in the coming 2 months, which will cover 80% of the country’s population before the end of 2021.

As of 18th June, Malaysia is said to have received 4 million of 44.8 million Pfizer doses ordered, 3.7 million of 12 million Sinovac doses, and 828,000 of 7.8 million AstraZeneca doses.

Bukit Jalil National Stadium
Image credit: Wendy Peak

90% of senior citizens in Klang Valley registered and vaccinated

For a little recap, Malaysia is currently in Phase 2 of PICK, which began in April 2021. This phase prioritises 3 groups – the elderly community, those with chronic health conditions, and OKU citizens – amounting to about 9.4 million individuals.

Klang Valley will move from Phase 2 to Phase 3, as 90% of senior citizens who registered for the vaccinations are said to have received their first doses of the vaccine or have a vaccination appointment scheduled. This is not far off from the targeted 100%.

Nonetheless, while Phase 3 will begin today in Klang Valley, senior citizens who have yet to register or receive an appointment date will still be prioritised.

Total 1st and 2nd vaccine doses administered nationwide, and by state, as recorded by JKJAV as of 20th June.
Image credit: @JKJAVMY

Likewise, 88% of registered individuals in Phase 2 in Selangor alone is said to be on their way to receiving their first or second vaccine doses too.

Any states that have achieved at least 90% vaccinations of the targeted group in Phase 3 will move onto the next phase in PICK as well, as noted by Khairy.

Phase 3 of vaccinations in PICK to begin today, 21st June

With the government considering easing restrictions for vaccinated individuals, such as being able to travel interstate, it comes as exciting news that Phase 3 of PICK will kickstart today, 21st June. It’ll also be a step towards getting ourselves vaccinated from the virus, and a possible end of lockdowns in Malaysia as announced in the National Recovery Plan that will see a return to normalcy once 60% of the total population is vaccinated.