6 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT COVID-19 VACCINE PROGRAMME IN TEENS UNDER 18

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6 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT COVID-19 VACCINE PROGRAMME IN TEENS UNDER 18

By Alpro Pharmacy

September 17, 2021

As of a media interview updated on the 4^th of September 2021, our health minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced that we will embark upon an implementation of COVID-19 immunization programme in teens aged below 18 years old.

During this interview, Khairy also mentioned that our Malaysia Government will start providing vaccine to teens starting from the 8^th September 2021 in Sarawak first, and slowly open for other states which has reached its benchmark of 80% vaccinated adults.

In this article, Alpro Pharmacy has summarized the top 6 things you should know about the COVID-19 vaccination programme that will be given to the teen aged 12 – 17.

What type of COVID-19 vaccine is available for the teens below 18?

Up till the date of 4^th September 2021, Corminarty (Pfizer-BioNTech) is the only approved COVID-19 vaccine to be used in adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17.

With 2 standard doses of 0.3mg vaccine should be given for at least 21 days apart.

Who’s eligible for this immunization programme?

This vaccination drive will start giving COVID-19 vaccine to those who:

Aged 12 – 17 without any underlying medical conditions based on age de-escalation

(In simpler term, those 16- and 17-years-old healthy teenagers will get vaccinated first and slowly extended to those aged 14 and 15, as well as 12 and 13)

Aged 12 – 17 with underlying health condition (as listed below)

What Are the Underlying Health Conditions that Granted As Vaccine Priority Groups:

a) Immunocompromised Due to Disease / Treatment
b) HIV Infection
c) Asplenia / Spleen Dysfunction
d) Chronic Heart Disease & Vacular Disease
e) Chronic Kidney Disease
f) Chronic Liver Disease
g) Chronic Neurological Disease
h) Chronic Respiratory Disease
i) Diabetes Mellitus (either Type 1 or Type 2 DM)
j) Obesity
k) Severe Mental Illness

Anyone who CANNOT receive / CONTRAINDICATED this COVID-19 vaccination?

Those with SEVERE allergic reaction (eg. anaphylaxis, severe cutaneous adverse reactions – SCARs) after a previous dose or towards any ingredient of COVID-19 vaccine

Anaphylaxis is a SEVERE & potentially life-threatening reaction to an allergens.

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis includes:

Skin reactions (eg. hives, itching, flushed / pale skin), low blood pressure, difficulties in breathing, swollen tongue or throat, weak & rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, dizziness or fainting

If you are known to be allergy towards certain ingredient (eg. polyethyleneglycol (PEG) or polysorbae), do notify the healthcare professional during consultation before the vaccine is given.

Where will this immunization programme being held?

Similar to the standard operating procedure (SOP) of prior immunization programme, vaccinees will be receiving their COVID-19 vaccine at either:

Special Vaccination Centres (PPVs) located at Hospitals
Medical Centres / Health Clinics
Other Earmarked PPVs
Outreach Programmes held in Schools

What are the SIDE EFFECT that can be expected during post-vaccination?

Your child may experience some side effects after vaccination, and this is absolutely normal, as their body is building up immunity against COVID-19 virus.

These side effects may affect your child’s ability to carry out daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. In some cases, some may not show with no side effects, but this does not means that the vaccine is not working in your child.

What should you do when your child shows with side effect?

You can consult our online healthcare professionals for any advice on medication to relieve your child’s side effects. If you are keen to use this service, feel free to consult our pharmacist online. Click the button below to start chating.

For any medication required, we are able provide delivery to your doorstep within 2 hours.