BATU KAWAN: A shortage of more than 20,000 Pfizer vaccine doses has forced the closure of at least four public vaccination centres (PPV) for a day, today.
The closure affected several thousands of people who were supposed to receive their appointments today.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the closure of the PPVs was due to the shortage of the vaccine supply by more than 20,000 doses for the coming week.
He said, with the shortage, the state Health Department had decided to close four PPVs today.
He added that several PPVs in private hospitals and clinics would also cease operations temporarily.
"This is to ensure the shortage can be overcome the following week when the supply arrives.
"Any shortage will be for a period of seven days only. This means that for those who are scheduled to receive their appointments today at the four PPVs, they will receive new appointment dates seven days later.
"This delay involves several thousands of people. However, it will not affect the vaccination programme as a whole," he told newsmen when met at the PPV in Batu Kawan here this morning for the conclusion of the Penang Covid-19 Screening (PSC-19) or targeted community Covid-19 mass screening programme.
Present were state Local Government Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo and Seberang Prai City Council Mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud.
The PPVs closed for the day are Dewan Milenium in Kepala Batas, pesta grounds in Nibong Tebal, Balik Pulau Sports Complex in Balik Pulau and Dewan Balai Rakyat in Bayan Baru.
Chow said all those affected had been informed about the change of dates.
"We urge the people to continue to check their MySejahtera application for their new appointment dates.
"The delay is just temporary," he added.