How Will The National COVID-19 Immunization Program Will Be Conducted?

At the end of 2020, the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) has issued a statement that it will implement the National COVID-19 Immunization Program covering all walks of life in Malaysia and the vaccine will be provided free of charge to Malaysian citizens. The vaccine will also be given to non-citizens residing in the country. This program is the largest immunization program ever conducted by the country as of time.  

According to the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Khairy Jamaludin said this program cannot be allowed to fail because its objectives need to be achieved to ensure herd immunity is built and in turn restore the country's economy from the turmoil of the pandemic. 

Through a special message delivered by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, the National COVID-19 Immunization Program is divided into three phases, with the first phase already started at the end of February this year. The third phase is expected to be completed around February 2022 where at least 80% or around 25 million Malaysians will be vaccinated, with each phase targeting specific groups and looking into factors such as job importance and health status.

Phase One

The first phase has begun at the end of February and involves the frontliners. About 500,000 frontliners from various sectors will receive this vaccine, including:

• Doctors and the healthcare workers

• The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM)

• Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM)

• Fire and Rescue Forces

• RELA

The purpose of this first phase is to target the frontliners who are more exposed to the virus due to the nature of their job. This vaccine is necessary to protect them before they serve others, especially for those who are working in the healthcare sector.

Phase Two

The second phase involves the elderly and high-risk groups aged 60 and above. Among the individuals involved in the second phase of this program are:

• People with chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure conditions, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, etc.

• Senior citizens

• The Disabled (OKU)

This phase is expected to start around April this year and will take place until August, with an estimated 9 million people receiving this vaccine injection. 

Phase Three

This third phase involves all adults aged 18 years and above. This phase will start in May and will last until February next year. This phase is the most important phase because if this third phase is successful, herd immunity can be achieved.

Due to the large number of vaccine recipients in this third phase, the distribution will be given in stages to the recipients. Therefore, you must adhere to the date stated on this vaccination appointment card for both doses to avoid miscommunications and inconvenience to healthcare staff and other recipients. 

According to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, there are few places that have been identified as vaccine storage and administration center, including:

• Public and private healthcare facilities

• Convention center

• Community hall

• University

With the immunization program implementation, we hope that COVID-19 vaccine will be able to prevent the spread of this disease and in turn provide maximum protection to everyone. 

It is advised that you get the vaccine as soon as possible for the benefit of not only yourself but for those around you. The vaccine has not only proven to be safe, but also effective. 

Mild side effects of this vaccine will disappear in a few days or may not even appear at all. If you have a history of allergies to a vaccine or a life-threatening allergic reaction by other vaccines or medications, please notify your healthcare provider before you receive the injection.

Regarding how to register and get this vaccine, you can register through the MySejahtera application in March and it is given as a voluntary basis. We hope that many Malaysians will volunteer to receive this vaccine to ensure the safety of themselves, their families and the community around them. Even if you have received the injection, you are advised to continue living by the new norms such as wearing face masks, maintaining physical distancing and  practicing good hand hygiene technique as one of the efforts to prevent the spread of this virus.