Private clinics still unclear of roles on Covid booster shot - MMA

14 Oct 2021

By Ilona Andrew

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) revealed today that private clinics are still unsure of their role in the administration of Covid-19 booster shots.

Its president Dr Koh Kar Chai said doctors at private clinics have yet heard any details from the State Health Department about the programme which kickstarted yesterday.

He also mentioned that there is no information yet on which clinics will participate in this programme.

However, he said the association hopes that all private clinics that acted in vaccination centres will be allowed to operate.

“More than 1,600 private clinics were assisting in the initial phase of the country's vaccination process, but had not been informed of their role in providing booster doses by the state health authorities.

“MMA is worried that the private clinics might only receive notifications at the last minute. Even now, many people have contacted private clinics to ask about the booster shot.

“MMA learned that around 8.75 million people will receive this booster shot so its implementation needs to be planned and coordinated well,” he said.

Koh also stressed that poor implementation by the state authorities must be addressed immediately to ensure the successful administration of the additional shot.

Yesterday, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced that booster shot will be given in the near future.

He said the administration of the booster shots which will be given to frontline workers and senior citizens aged 60 and above who had received complete vaccination for at least six months.