KUCHING: Phase two of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme in Sarawak is highly anticipated by the public as it is a ticket to preventing the virus infection.
Phase two of the vaccination programme kickstarted in Sibu district on Monday (Apr 19); it was held at the Sibu Indoor Stadium from 8am to 5pm.
“The programme is targeted at high-risk groups, the elderly as well as the disabled people. We expect a total of 924 people to come and receive their vaccination on the first day of the programme,” said state health director Dr Chin Zin Hing during a media conference chaired by Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas recently.
Meanwhile, the vaccination programmes for Kuching, Serian, Sri Aman, Betong, Kapit, Mukah and Miri districts will begin on Apr 23 while those for Samarahan, Bintulu, and Limbang districts will begin on Apr 24.
Phase two of the vaccination programme for Sarikei district will take place on Apr 30.
Following are some public views on phase two of the vaccination programme.
Sivanesan Sanmugalingam (writer)
The high number of registered individuals shows that most Sarawakians are prepared for the jabs and are anxiously awaiting their turns. I have registered for the vaccination although I have mixed feelings about it due to so many conflicting stories on the side effects of the vaccines, especially on social media. Nevertheless, I hope my turn will come sooner so that I can protect myself and my family as well.
Carol Daveson (area manager)
I believe most people are ready for the vaccination. They are waiting for their scheduled appointments. After being vaccinated, we will still need to maintain our social distancing, wear masks, avoid crowded places and use the MySejahtera application for tracing purposes. I have registered and I am looking forward to being vaccinated.
Mohamad Faizal Nayan (customer relations officer)
In my opinion, some people are still not fully convinced about the effectiveness of vaccines. That is why many individuals have not yet registered themselves. Hence, they are some who have mentally prepared themselves while some are not. I have registered for the vaccination. I am a little nervous but I am confident of the vaccine recommended by the Ministry of Health. I am ready to play my role in helping to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Mohamad ‘Izzat Amir Abd Jabar (private worker)
Phase two of the vaccination programme will have a profound impact on the rest of the community. It will determine the graph chart of Covid-19 virus infection and will open the minds of the public in getting themselves vaccinated. I have already signed up for the jab.
Noraini Salleh (self-employed)
I believe many Sarawakians have mentally prepared themselves for the vaccinations. I have registered for the jab. Although some people are infected by Covid-19 even after being vaccinated, there are still chances we will not be infected. It all depends on our individual immunity system.
