THE Gurney Paragon Mall and Design Village Mall have been approved by the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) to participate in the Retail Industry Vaccination (RiVAC) programme.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the maximum quota of doses for the Covid-19 vaccination centre (PPV) at both the malls are 6,000 (Gurney Paragon Mall) and 4,000 (Design Village Mall) each.
Chow said the Covid-19 vaccination centre (PPV) at the Gurney Paragon Mall, which has just started its operation yesterday, with daily injection rate of 1,200 doses would operate till Aug 20.
“On the first day, a total of 936 individuals had received their first Covid-19 vaccine shot here.
“Out of 6,700 individuals who were invited to take part in the programme, only 5,230 individuals (as of Aug 16) confirmed their participation.
“This is mainly because the remaining individuals have already received their appointment for vaccination via MySejahtera app at other PPVs.
“Another RiVAC programme will kick off at the Design Village Mall, Batu Kawan tomorrow (Aug 18) and is expected to administer a total of 800 doses daily till Aug 22,” said Chow after visiting the PPV at Gurney Paragon Mall today.
Chow also announced that Penang is expected to receive 163,800 doses of vaccine supply on the third week of August (Aug 16 till Aug 22).
“Following the shortage in vaccine supply, the Penang Health Department is rescheduling the vaccination appointments at several PPVs to ensure that they operate in an optimum manner.
“This situation is temporary and we hope it will be back to normal by early next week or end of this week.
“I would like to also rebut the claim that the One Hope Charity & Welfare (One Hope Charity) PPV in Juru will be closed due to shortage of vaccine.
“It was confirmed through a statement published on One Hope Charity’s Facebook page yesterday stating that its PPV is operating as usual.
“The Penang Health Department has also given its assurance that the concerned PPV would be able to administer a total of 720 doses daily (dose one and dose two) ,” added Chow.
Speaking on the vaccination programe for pregnant ladies, Chow said it would be appropriate for them to get their appointments at the respective hospitals during their routine check-up.
“During their routine check-up, the respective hospitals will make arrangement for their vaccination.
“This is to avoid pregnant ladies from queueing up at the vaccination centres,” said Chow.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad