KUALA LUMPUR: Parents and guardians are advised to keep to their teenagers’ Covid-19 vaccine second dose appointments, says Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali.

       The Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force-Adolescent (CITF-A) chairman said the Health Ministry, in the past week, found that there were teenagers who failed to turn up for their second dose appointments.

       Dr Noor Azmi said according to earlier projections, the second dose rate should have reached 80% by Nov 11 but based on the latest projections, this target would only be achieved by late November or early December.

       “If parents or guardians do not ensure that their teenagers receive the second dose, the risk for this group getting infected with Covid-19 is higher than those who have been fully vaccinated.

       “This situation will definitely affect the reopening of schools and also the reopening of economic sectors,” he said in a statement.

       Dr Noor Azmi said parents who had to reschedule the second dose appointment could contact the school for a new one, reported Bernama.

       “Those unable to accompany their children for their vaccination appointments, can request for another adult to represent them by filling up a form available at the school,” he said.

       “I also understand concerns among parents of their children having side effects such as allergies.

       “However, I would like to stress here that serious side effects are rare and with early treatment, they will fully recover.

       “Although sectors have reopened and the current situation is improving, parents should be aware that the risk of infections is still high.”