PETALING JAYA: Almost 2,000 lawyers and chambering pupils will start getting their Covid-19 vaccination appointments from July 15, says the Bar Council's national Covid-19 vaccine coordinator Vivekananda Sukumaran.

"As at June 23, 1,908 members and pupils-in-chambers have registered for the jabs.

"Their vaccination appointments will be given via the MySejahtera application from July 15,'' he said in a circular issued to members on its website on Thursday. (June 24).

The circular noted that priority would be given to those in the high risk group, those above 50 and those who have yet to receive their first vaccine dose.

"In view of multiple factors with regard to vaccination, The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) will consider fixing appointments of registrants who are currently awaiting their second doses accordingly," the circular read.

The move comes after Mosti agreed to give priority to Malaysian Bar members and pupils-in-chambers who have registered under an immunisation drive spearheaded by the Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee (KLBC).

Vivekananda, who is KLBC chairman, said he and secretary Alvin Oh met with National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme ( NIP) coordinating minister Khairy Jamaluddin on Wednesday (June 23) to present their vaccination proposal.

A presentation was given to the minister highlighting the risks of exposure to Covid-19 faced by members and pupils-in-chambers of the Malaysian Bar in the discharge of their duties as lawyers.

"The minister recognises and acknowledges the role of lawyers in the administration of justice and shares his concerns over the safety of members and pupils-in-chambers when discharging their duties," Vivekananda and Oh said in the circular.

On June 12, the Bar Council agreed to expand a vaccination registration drive by the KLBC to all members nationwide.

On Tuesday (June 22), the Selangor Bar announced that the state health department has agreed to give priority for state Bar members and pupils-in-chambers to get vaccinated.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/06/24/bar-council-2000-lawyers-chambering-pupils-to-get-covid-19-jab-appointments-from-july-15