A TOTAL of 100 doses of free influenza vaccine have been given to the B40 senior citizens in Sungai Pinang here.
Thanks to the collaboration between the Penang Adventist Hospital (PAH) and Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, all 100 B40 recipients who were 60 years old and above received their flu vaccine at the Sungai Pinang activity centre on March 12 and March 14.
PAH will be providing a total of 500 doses of free influenza vaccine to the senior citizens under their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.
The flu vaccines (Vaxigrip Tetra) were donated by Oon Khye Seh Foundation through Prof Dr Tan Maw Pin of University Malaya Medical Centre or the University Malaya Medical Faculty.
PAH chief operating officer Dr Thomas Tean said the hospital was also collaborating with Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee and Paya Terubong assemblyman Yeoh Soon Hin to provide 100 doses of flu vaccine to each of the constituency.
The flu vaccines are to be given to the elderly.
“The remaining 200 doses will be given to PAH’s elderly patrons.
“Those who took the vaccine can take the Covid-19 vaccine after two weeks.
“It is a privilege for us to serve the community.
“We strive to serve the community not only in our hospital, but also to reach out to them. We want to give them good health.
“By providing this flu vaccine to the elderly, we are also helping their families.
“When the elderly are well at home, the younger working children can feel at ease working.
“We look forward to more collaborations to help the people this year,” he told a press conference today. Dr Tean said the flu vaccine should be taken annually to reduce the severity of flu.
Siew Khim thanked PAH for coming forward to help the community.
She also urge the people to register for the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.
“We have to work together to achieve herd immunity.
“I will be taking the second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine on March 22.
“I’m feeling well and I continue to serve my constituents,” she said when asked by the media.
Siew Khim advised the people to be honest about their medical conditions when asked by the doctors or nurses.
“It is important to be honest so that they can assess your conditions before you receive the Covid-19 vaccine,” she said.
Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer thanked Siew Khim, her team and PAH for making the event in Sungai Pinang a success.
“We thank PAH for showing such spirit to help the elderly. This is something all hospitals should take up.
“As MPs and assemblymen, it is our responsibility to try to reduce the burden of the people. This collaboration is one of the many noble efforts that can help the community,” he said.
On a separate matter, Rayer urged Penangites to continue to abide by the standard operating procedures (SOPs) even after receiving the Covid-19 vaccine.
“Those who are having difficulty in registering for the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme can seek help from the service centres of the MPs or state assemblymen,” he said.
Also present at the event were PAH senior marketing manager Caleb Lim and charity manager Jenny Ooi.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alissala Thian