EYE specialist centre, Optimax Eye Specialist Hospital, has become the latest organisation being approved as a Covid-19 vaccination centre (PPV) in Penang.
The centre joins six other private hospitals in Penang which will dole out Covid-19 vaccines to the recipients.
The six other private hospitals are the Lam Wah Ee Hospital, Loh Guan Lye Specialist Centre, Pantai Hospital Penang, KPJ Penang Specialist Hospital, Penang Adventist Hospital and Gleneagles Hospital Penang.
It is understood that the eligible recipients must have registered through the MySejahtera app.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that each hospital would administer 50 to 200 doses daily.
“The doses to be administered will likely be increased, depending on the capacity and observation by the authorities.
“With more PPVs in the state, it also means that we are likely to speed up the vaccine rollout to the eligible recipients.
“The Federal Government has assured all the states that the vaccine supply will increase in the coming months,” Chow said at the mega Covid-19 vaccination centre (PPV) at Setia SPICE Arena today.
Today is the first day of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine rollout at the centre.
The vaccination programme at Setia SPICE Arena will be held from 8am to 9pm (Monday to Friday) and 8am to 5pm (weekend). The programme will be held until July 27.
Chow said that some 1,000 recipients were scheduled to be inoculated daily at the centre for the first three days.
“The authorities will closely monitor the situation at Setia SPICE Arena and will consider increasing its capacity when necessary,” Chow told the reporters.
A recipient L. Sarojini, 66, said she was feeling fine after receiving the jab.
“I did not feel any immediate discomfort or unusual effect after receiving the vaccine.
“I thank the authorities for setting up a mega PPV here on the island.
“The Penang government is really doing its best to ensure that more people can be vaccinated.
“I was warmly welcomed by the medical personnel when I arrived here this morning. The entire process was smooth and systematic.
“Keep up the good work.
“Those who are still reluctant to take the vaccine must realise that the authorities are doing their best to keep the people safe from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It is only right that we heed the advice by registering and get ourselves vaccinated,” Sarojini said.
Another recipient, Sheikh Abdul Rahman, 83, said he had undergone many major operations in the past, and that receiving a Covid-19 vaccine now wouldn’t make a difference.
“I feel extremely good and even more assured after being inoculated. The government is doing its best for us, so we must appreciate their efforts.
“Stay safe and healthy everyone,” he said.
At the press conference, Chow said a total of 112,350 people had registered and would be receiving their vaccine at Setia SPICE Arena.
“From the amount, a total of 31,928 are senior citizens (60-years-old and above) and the remaining 80,422 are those aged 18 to 59,” Chow added.
Special advisor (public health) to Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Tan Sri Jemilah Mahmood, applauded Penang’s efforts in accelerating the Covid-19 vaccine drive and has called for the state to keep up in its good work.
“Congratulations on hitting the 60% registration rate throughout the state. There is still work to be done,” she said in he speech.
Jemilah said the proposed drive-thru vaccination initiative would be more suitable for those who are receiving their second dose.
“Those who are receiving their second dose would have their information and other details stored in the system. Hence, the process would be easier.
“We need to identify suitable locations for the drive-thru vaccination initiative. We are looking at how we can move forward with this plan,” Jemilah added.
Also present during press conference were state Agrotech and Food Security, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin, state Secretary Datuk Abdul Razak Jaafar and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhammad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis