Page 8 - REAL ISSUES FOR COVID-19 VACCINE IMMUNIZATION & Pregnancy, Breastfeeding Mothers

maternal and child health team to administer the COVID-19 vaccine because they are already
skilled in administering vaccine.

For client monitoring, we selected medical officers who are already trained in emergency
care to handle any immediate side effects or anaphylaxis, if it occurs. For backup, the consent
taking task was given to the pharmacists.

Preparation: Training

For the training aspect, we briefed the vaccinators on information about the COVID-19
vaccines which focusing on efficacy, side effects, contraindication and the frequently asked
questions. This will help them to address concerns from vaccine recipients and to obtain
consent for vaccination. We have also conducted simulation with role-play on how to handle
the vaccination process, scenario where the vaccine recipients developed side effects or
anaphylaxis. We also conduct cross audits between PPV using the checklist that was
provided. Staff have been given training webinars on how to manage MyVAS database and
MySejahtera. If there is any unexpected system interruption, the staff will do the task
manually and corrections will be sent to KKM MySejahtera team.

Preparation: Equipment

For the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine administration, we need a
specially designed low-dead volume (LDV) syringes. Besides this, we prepared anaphylactic
kits and resuscitation kits at the vaccination centres to treat vaccine recipients who may
experience any side effects such as anaphylaxis, even though this is rare.

Checklist For Vaccine Recipients

Before vaccine recipients (from Phase I immunization programme) come to the vaccination
centre, we informed the Person-in-Charge of the respective agencies to ensure that the
vaccine recipients will wear appropriate attire so that it would be easy for the vaccinator to
administer the vaccine. Vaccine recipients should bring along their identity card (IC),
updated their details in MySejahtera app to ensure that their name in MySejahtera is the same
as their IC. For those coming for the second dose vaccine, they should bring their vaccine
card.