The second phase of the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) has been implemented for more than two months now and the response has been positive from the urban as well as the rural communities.
A total of 9.4 million vaccine recipients are targeted in the second phase involving high-risk groups such as the elderly, chronic patients, the differently abled (OKU) and individuals with comorbidities.
Previously, various negative speculations about the side effects of the vaccine on the recipients, especially the elderly who have risky illnesses, were spread by netizens on social media.
Abdul Hamid Abdul Rashid, 82, a retiree of Kampar Health Ministry said the negative news about the vaccine could confuse the community, especially the elderly.
“I’m not influenced by the negative news about the COVID-19 vaccine. We shouldn’t have to worry about all of that because the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) has proven the safety of all the vaccines before they are approved for use by the people.
“I’ve received the first dose and so far things are fine and there’s no side effects although I’m already in my 80s. It’s very safe,” he said when interviewed at Sahom Community Hall in conjunction with the Kampar District Outreach Programme recently (June 25).
Another vaccine recipient, Normah Othman, 75 also shared her joy after receiving the first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
“I’m very happy to receive the first dose of vaccination today. My children’s support made me strong and confident. The frontliners from the MOH and volunteers are friendly and efficient.
“There’s nothing to worry about because all the vaccines are safe for us. During the injection, I didn’t feel anything. Thank you to the MOH who takes care of the people so much. To those who haven’t registered, please register via MySejahtera as soon as possible for the safety and wellbeing of all of us,” Normah, who also has high blood pressure, said.
Rosli Mansor
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