On 30 September, a video of a health worker at a vaccination centre went viral after she injected a 12-year-old boy with an empty syringe.
In the video, the health worker fills up a syringe with the vaccine and shows it to the camera. She then puts it down and wipes the boy’s arm with an alcohol swab before picking up a different syringe that has not been filled and injects the boy with the empty syringe.
The Covid-19 Adolescent Immunisation Special Task Force (CITF-A) has since released a statement saying that the Healthcare Organisation (HCO) appointed under ProtectHealth Corporation Sdn Bhd has dismissed the health worker from her duties at the University of Malaya Vaccination Centre (PPVUM).
“The government takes such incidents seriously and will take appropriate action to ensure that the vaccination process is done safely and properly,” Deputy Minister of Health I Dato Dr Haji Noor Azmi Bin Ghazali said.
“The safety and well-being of vaccine recipients is our top priority and all medical practitioners will continue to be monitored for compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).”
Additionally, to accommodate to parents’ concerns and to avoid doubts in the adolescent vaccination process, the CITF-A has decided to allow either one parent or guardian to accompany their child during their Covid-19 vaccination.
Starting 3 October, only one parent or guardian can accompany a teenager into the PPV area as follows:
- Station 1: Temperature and symptom screening
- Station 2: Vaccination registration
- Station 3: Parent/guardian permission and consultation
- Station 4: Vaccination
Once the vaccination process is complete, the parent or guardian will be asked to wait outside to ensure that the seats in the observation area is sufficient for the vaccine recipients. After the 15-30 minute observation period, the teenager can return to their parent or guardian.
The parent or guardian will also be allowed to record videos of the vaccination process on their child. In line with previous SOPs, the health worker must show a properly filled vaccine syringe to the recipient.
“All health workers and volunteers involved are reminded to carry out their duties carefully and responsibly,” the statement said.
“At the same time, the Government would like to thank all the health workers and volunteers who have been the backbone to the success of our vaccination program over the years. The progress we have achieved in this short time is the result of the hard work of all of you, and this is indeed greatly appreciated by all parties.”
Also read: JUST IN: Malaysians Can Travel Overseas By December If 90% Vaccination Rate Is Met
