AS the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme rolls out today, many of the Penangites are having mixed views over the inoculation exercise.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was the first to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine shot, followed by Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah and a few frontliners in Putrajaya today.
In the fight against Covid-19, the mass vaccination phase involving Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccines would be meant for 500,000 frontliners in the country while the second phase, from April to August, would go to the high-risk groups or senior citizens.
The third phase for those aged 18 and above will begin from May to February next year.
As the vaccination process is set to gather momentum, Buletin Mutiara has received different feedback from the public.
Below are their views:
Saik Kok Leong (31, self-employed)
“Personally, I still haven’t decided whether to take the two jabs or not. I need time before I volunteer myself.
“Although there are many scientific reports that substantiate the effectiveness of the vaccines, there are still doubts on my mind. I believe there are many fence-sitters who are facing this dilemma.
“If the authorities make it mandatory for everyone to receive the vaccine, then I will go for it!”
Muhammad Firdaus (33, civil servant)
“In my case, I have my own medical history. I am asthmatic and I am unsure whether I will be accepted or not.
“But, if the authorities give me the go-ahead, then I will adhere to the instructions.
“After all, we need to support herd immunity as stated by our health authorities.”
Leow Leik Hong (business coach)
“I am willing to be vaccinated and have even registered myself through MySejahtera mobile app.
“I have confidence in the health authorities conducting the mass vaccination exercise for the sake of everyone.
“If you refuse to be vaccinated, you will definitely face a greater risk of infection.”
Tan Siew Lee (33, salesperson)
“As far as I am concerned, I will proceed with the vaccination for the sake for my family and friends.
“However, I feel the government should provide more information on the vaccines. The key to this initiative’s success is to educate the public on the matter.
“I have searched various information on the Pfizer-BioNTech and read about its effectiveness.
“Therefore, I believe and have full faith in the vaccine despite many negative or incorrect information about it.”
Alex Tan (38, Wellness Coach)
“I am torn over whether to get a vaccine. On one hand, I know the vaccine is necessary to fight Covid-19 but on the other hand, I am suspicious over its effectiveness.
“This is because it is still new and I need time to do some research. I believe many share my thoughts.
“If the side effects are proved to be minor, then I will proceed with it.”
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting