SIBU: Around 84.3 percent of the Sibu population have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
This was said by Sibu Division Disaster Management Committee (SDDMC) coordinator Dr Annuar Rapaee during a livestream session on Sibu’s Covid-19 update last Saturday.
“Based on the data recorded on July 22, a total of 211,330 individuals (84.3 percent) out of 250,735 are eligible for the vaccine.
“The number of people who have received the second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine is 52.3 percent or 131,118 individuals,” he said.
He also hoped recipients who have received their first dose would complete their vaccination in the next two to three weeks.
“We want as many people as possible to be vaccinated because with more people being vaccinated, it will be harder for the virus to spread.
“We must achieve herd immunity but it is best if every eligible individual can be vaccinated,” he said.
Dr Annuar who is also the Assistant Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research explained the importance of the second dose in strengthening protection against Covid-19.
“The first dose is to train the immune system to produce antibodies. The second dose is when antibodies are produced to stop the infection and protect you, so that is why you need the second dose.
“The antibodies will reach full capacity two weeks after receiving the second dose,” added the Nangka assemblyman.
He also advised residents here not to delay in taking the second dose unless they have a good reason.
“Those who are unable to attend the second dose appointment must inform the relevant parties so that another appointment can be arranged.
“It would be pointless to only get the first dose,” he said.
Commenting on the Delta variant, Dr Annuar urged all communities to remain vigilant.
Although the variant has not yet spread among the community in Sibu, he hoped that residents would continue to adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and always be careful despite being vaccinated.
“However, through studies it has been shown that the Moderna, Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines are effective against the Delta variant.
“Sinovac Biotech Ltd has also made its statement on the Sinovac vaccine which is also effective against the variant.
“While all vaccine production companies have already stated the effectiveness of their respective vaccines against the Delta variant, we should not be negligent and careless. Continue to adhere to the SOPs,” Dr Annuar said.
