By Mustakim Ramli
SHAH ALAM, Dec 10 — An estimated 6,000 Covid-19 vaccine booster shots have been administered to the public through the Selangor Vaccination Programme (Selvax) Booster programme so far, said state executive councillor for public health.
Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud said the number was based on data on the third day of the state-organised free programme that started yesterday.
“Each clinic provided 150 doses a day with two doctors assigned to give injections.
"We have 13 clinics that offer Selvax Booster with an estimated 6,000 doses given on the third day (of its implementation)," she said today.
She said during a visit to witness the administering of the Selvax Booster doses at the Selcare Clinic in Section 13 here.
Dr Siti Mariah added that the reason the walk-ins for the programme was stopped is to reduce congestion at the clinics.
“The response was not just encouraging but exceeded the expectations. Most probably it is because we are open to those aged 18 years and above and do not only focus on the elderly and comorbidities.
"I admit there are logistical problems due to unexpected walk-ins as they did not that we had changed to pre-registration, so there will be overlapping that will exceed the capacity limit of the clinic," said Dr Siti Mariah.
She said other factors that made Selvax Booster Programme popular is because there were people who wanted the Sinovac vaccine, while some have yet to receive their MySejahtera appointment or the date given to them was too far away.
“I advise the public not to rush because the 157,000 vaccines stock can only be finished in about two months time because each clinic is only supplied with 150 doses a day.
"For those who have made an appointment, it's okay to come in the afternoon because we find many came in the morning even though the programme closes in the evening," she said.
On December 7, the state government announced that 157,000 booster doses would be given free of charge through the Selvax Booster Programme.
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said individuals aged 18 and above who have completed two doses of vaccine can get it at the nearby Selcare Clinic.
"The list of clinics involved in the implementation of this program can be found on the website selcareclinic.com/our-clinic/or through the SELangkah mobile app," he said.
