By Umie Syazwanie Mohd
KUCHING: Parents agree that children aged 12 to 17 need to be inoculated in preparation for the expected school reopening on Oct 1.
In a poll by New Sarawak Tribune, they say there is a pressing need to protect the children from being infected by Covid-19 through vaccination.
After the inoculation, many will have the confidence to send their children to school.
On Aug 14, federal Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun called for students, especially those between the ages of 12 and 17, to be vaccinated before the reopening of schools.
She said the move was urgently needed because children and teenagers were also at risk of getting infected by the coronavirus.
The day before (Friday, Aug 13), Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said Covid-19 vaccines would be given to individuals aged 12 to 17 years old starting mid-September.
Olivia Sahim, Housewife
I support the vaccination as it protects my children’s health. When they are in school, they are exposed to other students and teachers. However, there is a lack of data on the side effects of vaccination on adolescents.
Alice Bember Sayau, Housewife
Vaccination is very necessary for children, especially those in school. It can boost their immunity and protect themselves from being infected by Covid-19. I am happy that my children will be vaccinated.
Ida John, Medical assistant
Giving vaccines to students ages 12 and 17 is very appropriate. Although the effectiveness of the vaccine is not 100 per cent, at least it provides some protection to the children. It also gives parents a peace of mind when sending their children to school.
Masli Bojeng, Fisheries Officer
I agree that the children should be vaccinated before they return to school. However, I am very concerned about the side effects on minors because there have been no previous studies on them. Nevertheless, I am very certain that the vaccines will protect the children.
Felix Boniface, Assistant Economics Officer
I agree schoolchildren should be vaccinated because at school, they will be exposed to people whose recent whereabouts are unknown. I will be at ease if my children are vaccinated before going back to school.
Zakaria Sabu, Security officer
I strongly encourage children to be vaccinated first before face-to-face learning is carried out because it is very necessary to avoid Covid-19 outbreaks. I am very grateful that the children are going to be vaccinated.
