LABUAN has begun administering Covid-19 vaccine booster shots under a three-phase exercise which will see almost 20,000 individuals getting their third jab.

Labuan health director Ismuni Bohari said the first phase will involve 1,290 healthcare personnel; the second phase will target 2,500 non-healthcare frontliners including the media fraternity; and the third phase will inoculate about 16,000 individuals in high-risk groups.

“We have received the green light from the Ministry of Health to administer the booster shots. Our healthcare frontliners will be vaccinated from today until the end of the week,” he said.

Ismuni said all the three phases are expected to be completed by the beginning of next year or earlier.

“Only individuals who have completed the recommended six-month interval after the second dose are eligible for the booster shots,” he said.

“We have set up vaccination centres at Labuan Hospital, Labuan air force base camp and the Membedai health clinic,” he said.

Ismuni said the booster shots will also be made available at all private clinics via appointments.

“Those eligible can contact the clinics to set their appointments,” he said. – Bernama, October 18, 2021.