PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry wants to get more adults in Johor to take their Covid-19 vaccine booster jabs before the state polls are held, says Khairy Jamaluddin.

       The Health Minister said that while the booster rates in the state were good, where 63.2% of the adult population had received their third dose, the plan was to see a higher percentage before the election.

       He said that focus would be given to encourage more adults in districts with low booster rates to get their shots.

       “The two districts in Johor with the lowest percentage of boosters administered are Mersing with 35% and Pontian with 39%.

       “I guess Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan will have to work a little harder,” Khairy quipped. Ahmad is the Pontian MP.

       To date, about 80% of Johor's population aged 12 and above have been fully vaccinated.

       The number of adults who have received their booster shots stands at 63.2%.

       Johor will go to the polls on March 12 with nominations on Feb 26.