Only 21.3 pct registered for vaccination in Sabah
KOTA KINABALU: The number of people who have registered for Covid-19 vaccine in Sabah is still low, with the state capital of Kota Kinabalu registering only 21.3 per cent according to the data provided by the Sabah State National Safety Council.
“There are 421,600 people (over 18 years of age) who are eligible to register as recipients of the vaccine in Kota Kinabalu.
“However as of April 9, only 89,695 (or 21.3 per cent) people have registered,” said Api-Api Community Development leader Oliver Majaham.
He said this in an interview yesterday at a Covid-19 vaccine awareness campaign jointly organized by Kota Kinabalu Information Office, Kota Kinabalu Health Department and Api-Api Community Development Leaders Unit at Sabah Association of Senior Citizens clubhouse.
Oliver pointed out that this figures is below the government target of vaccinating 70 per cent of the population to achieve herd immunity.
“We hope the public who are here will listen and learn more about the vaccination programme, can share with their families and friends, especially those who have yet to register and encourage them to register for vaccination.
“Although the current emphasis is focused on creating awareness on the Covid vaccine and registration campaign in the outskirts and villages, continuous awareness programmes and registration drives in urban areas are being planned to ensure the government target of vaccinating 70 per cent of the population is achieved,” he added.
To ensure that herd immunity is achieved within the planned timeline, the Sabah State Community Development Leaders Unit is collaborating with the Sabah Health Department and Sabah Information Department to hold vaccination registration drives and awareness programmes.
The Covid-19 vaccination talk for members of Sabah Association of Senior Citizens conducted by Kota Kinabalu medical officer Dr Tee Wen Li from the Kota Kinabalu Health Office covered a wide range of topics from the danger of Covid-19 pandemic, the types of vaccine available, and also the importance of herd immunity.
Also present were Sabah Association of Senior Citizens deputy president Robert Chang, Chinese Community Leader Kapitan Chee Siaw Siaw, Kota Kinabalu Information Department officer Hasmawati Karodda and Pemaju Mukim Ng Pit Yun.