PETALING JAYA: Private hospitals are eager to help with the Covid-19 vaccination of teenagers below 18 if needed, says the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia.

       "Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin mentioned that there is a likelihood that the Covid-19 will be deemed as endemic by end of October, as 80% of the population will be vaccinated.

       "In view of this, it's essential to have teenagers have their vaccination completed and some private hospitals will be happy to participate in the program," its president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said in a statement on Thursday (Sept 2).

       He said that most private hospitals in Klang Valley have ceased the vaccination program coordinated by the Special Committee on Ensuring Access to Covid-19 Vaccine Supply (JKJAV) and Protect Health Sdn Bhd over the past month, but selected private hospitals are eager to resume providing vaccination.

       "Currently, several private hospitals have commenced private vaccination using one brand of vaccine for Covid-19 for the adult population," he added.

       Dr Kuljit said that vaccination of teenagers below 18 could be done either at schools itself, subject to safety concerns.

       "But, it's preferable at a public or private hospital.

       "Mega PPV may not be conducive for children unless there are no other viable options," he said.

       He said that family clinics and general practitioners are also viable alternatives for the purpose.

       However, he added that the regulatory authority must first allay worry among parents and doctors.

       "This should be verified by the regulatory authorities with data obtained from vaccine manufacturers and published scientific studies as soon as possible," he said.

       He added it was also important to determine the type of vaccine suitable for the purpose to allow private healthcare facilities to make the necessary arrangements.