The decision comes in the wake of long queues by those hoping to get their third shot without appointments at various vaccination centres in the Klang Valley.
A company spokesman confirmed the decision with FMT, and that it is effective immediately.
ProtectHealth chief executive officer Anas Alam Faizli had been quoted earlier as saying that those seeking booster shots should call the nearest vaccination centre (PPV) for a place on the waiting list.
He said priority would be given to those with appointments (made through the MySejahtera app), Malay Mail reported. Those who have not been given appointments through MySejahtera can register with private PPVs listed on ProtectHealth’s website through email or by phone.
ProtectHealth, which was set up by the health ministry, said the latest decision to stop walk-in registrations was meant to prevent huge crowds, which went against current SOPs.
FMT reported earlier today that elderly people in Penang had to queue for hours by the side of a busy George Town thoroughfare while waiting for their walk-in booster jabs.
It is understood that various PPVs are given a certain number of doses for walk-ins every day, Malay Mail reported.
“We’ve seen a lot of crowds at off-site PPVs under ProtectHealth after the announcement of a shortened vaccine interval to three months,” Anas was quoted as saying.
He said private doctors managing the off-site PPV or outside private medical facilities have been given suggestions to improve crowd control.
Off-site PPVs include centres at shopping malls and community halls.
He said walk-ins had initially been allowed as a form of backup. However, PPVs are allowed to accept walk-ins when there is additional vaccine supply.