Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee (right) checks on the outreach programme to vaccinate rural folk in a community hall at Bawang Assan area, Sibu recently.
SIBU (July 4): The outreach programme is proven to be the best approach to get more people vaccinated against Covid-19 in Sibu division, said Sibu Divisional Disaster Management Committee (SDDMC) coordinator, Dr Annuar Rapaee.
Dr Annuar based the achievement on the data, which showed that the number of individuals who has been vaccinated with at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine as of June 3, has far outnumbered those who have registered for Covid-19 vaccination thanks to the outreach programme organised in the division.
“You see, the number of those aged 18 years and above in the division is 232,528 and from this total, 157,585 or 67.8 per cent have registered for the (Covid-19 vaccination) programme. Those who have been given first and second dose of vaccine numbered 173,952 or 74.8 per cent of the targeted 232,528 individuals.
“In Sibu District alone, the number of individuals, who have registered stood at 135,550 or 69.7 per cent of the targeted 194,452 individuals, aged 18 years and above as of July 3, while those who have received first and second dose of vaccine, numbered 136,980 or 70.4 per cent.
“This clearly shows that the number of those vaccinated with at least one dose of the vaccine is more than those who registered, thanks to the outreach programme which is the best approach to get more people vaccinated,” said Dr Annuar, who is Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing.
He added that the outreach programme is also in line with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s call for people to vaccinated first and registered later.
Following the effectiveness of the outreach programme, Dr Annuar said it will be further strengthened to ensure that more people are vaccinated as soon as possible.
Noting that Sibu has recorded 33 Covid-19 cases on Saturday, Dr Annuar took the opportunity to remind folk here to continue to put in their efforts to flatten the infection curve.
“We must not be complacent with the drop in the number of daily cases but strive to put an end to Covid-19 infection,” he stressed.