Sarawak to use single-shot CanSino jabs for rural folks

Sarawak expects to receive supplies of China’s single-dose CanSino vaccine for Covid-19 by the end of the month, and will likely use these for the immunisation of those living in rural areas in the interior.

“It will be easier for people in the interior, so that they won’t have to come back again for a second shot,” Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg said, adding that some might not want to return for another dose of vaccine.

“The CanSino vaccine is suitable for our people in the interior, like the Penan,” he said after visiting the vaccination centre in Miri today.

“The doctors tell me that the Penan people may not want to come for a second dose,” he said, adding that the same might also be true for others living in the interior.

On the Covid-19 situation, he said conditions in Miri had improved, adding that bed usage at ICUs for severe cases had seen a significant decline.

On the vaccination rate in Miri, he said 72.5% had received a first dose while 35% had received both shots of vaccine.