GEORGE TOWN: Thousands of Penangites will have to wait at least another week for their second dose of Pfizer vaccine due to a shortage.

       The disruption has led to the closure of four vaccination centres – Balik Pulau Sports Complex, Dewan Balai Rakyat Bayan Baru and Pesta Site on the island, and Dewan Milenium on the mainland yesterday.

       Although the Penang Health Department assured that the centres would be reopened today, those scheduled to receive their second dose between Aug 15 and Aug 19 would be postponed to next week.

       Many vented their frustration.

       Anna Yoon, 53, received her first dose on July 29 and was supposed to receive her second on Thursday.

       “I received an SMS to inform me that my second-dose appointment has been postponed to Aug 26.

       “This has led to an inconvenience as my friend, who was to accompany me took leave from work for that day and I’ve made plans for the week,” she said.

       The state Health Department announced on Saturday that the supply of Pfizer vaccine was disrupted since Thursday and the four vaccination centres will be closed and will resume operations today.

       It said the recipients of the Pfizer second dose would only get their jabs between Aug 22 and Sept 6.

       These recipients were advised to check MySejahtera for the new appointment date.

       Penang health committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin confirmed the shortage of Pfizer vaccines.

       “We need at least 230,000 doses a week. We are getting 917,000 doses this month but there will be shortages in the first and third week.

       “There will be 188,000 doses in the first week and 163,800 doses in the third week. However, there will be 328,300 doses to be delivered in the fourth week,” she said.

       Batu Ferringhi resident Joanna Jayaseele, 41, who received her first dose of the Pfizer shot in Selangor, changed the venue for her second dose to Penang, is now caught in a bind due to the shortage.

       “I got my first jab in Shah Alam three weeks ago. I drove all the way to get it. Many advised me to get my second dose in Penang as I am looking after my mother here.

       “On Aug 7, I went to see a Health Ministry officer at Caring Society Complex vaccination centre to request for a change of venue. I cancelled my second appointment in Shah Alam to get one in Penang. Now, they are telling me they could not accommodate the changes due to the shortage,” she said.