THE Covid-19 vaccination process kicked off smoothly at the Pantai Hospital in Penang today with a good attendance.
Pantai Hospital is one of the seven private hospitals approved as vaccination centres (PPVs) in Penang to assist in the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP).
The other hospitals are Lam Wah Ee Hospital, Loh Guan Lye Specialist Centre, KPJ Penang Specialist Hospital, Penang Adventist Hospital and Gleneagles Hospital.
Pantai Hospital chief executive officer Pan Wen Lek said the hospital would be administrating a total of 100 dosages of Covid-19 vaccine (Sinovac) per day.
“Every day, a total of 100 recipients will be getting their vaccine shots at our vaccination centre from Monday to Friday, starting from 9am to 5pm.
“Once they arrive here, they will need to undergo a few steps before getting their vaccines. Firstly, they need to make health declaration by filling up the forms provided to them.
“Then, they will get their consent letter, after which they will need to go for a physical check-up at our booths before the vaccination takes place.
“After getting the jabs, the recipients will be put under observation for 15 minutes,’’ Pan told Buletin Mutiara at the Pantai Hospital’s vaccination centre today.
Pan added that the recipients would receive the appointment date for the second dosage of the vaccine on the day itself.
“After they have completed the whole process, we will inform them on the date for the second dose at our centre.
“We have some 40 staff members in charge of the vaccination programme,” added Pan.
The first day of vaccination, which was scheduled for the senior citizens, saw them turning up punctually for their respective slots.
Senior citizen Ow Tok Kin, who was the first in his family to have received the Covid-19 vaccine, said she would keep adhering to the standard operating procedures even after having taken the jab.
“I registered for the vaccination programme in March.
“Then on Friday morning, Pantai Hospital called me to confirm the time. Earlier, I had also received the notification through MySejahtera App.
“I have five grandchildren at home, aged between 11 and 14. So, I took the decision to get myself vaccinated to ensure their safety. I seldom go out.
“I am also encouraging my friends to get themselves registered for the vaccination programme,’’ Ow said.
Retired security guard, Abdul Razak Yusoff, who was also the first person in his family to take part in the programme, looked calm and steady after getting his shot.
“I was not afraid at all. In fact, I will also encourage others, especially senior citizens, to come forward and get their vaccine.
“I have diabetes and high cholesterol, but after undergoing the checkup, I was allowed to take part in the programme. My second dose is scheduled to take place on June 24,’’ said Abdul Razak.
Another recipient, Ong Hock Cheng (69), who came all the way from Air Itam, said he registered for vaccination the moment it was announced by the Government.
“Although I felt a little a bit nervous yesterday, I am more relieved today after knowing that I will be given Sinovac.
“I would like urge everyone to register for the vaccination programme as it is everyone’s responsibility to take part in this,’’ said Ong.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Joanne Foong