THE majority of parents want Covid-19 vaccines to go through a detailed study before they are administered to those who are below 18 years old, fearing of the health risk and adverse effects.
This was revealed by the parents themselves during a phone interview conducted by the Buletin Mutiara today and below are the comments.
Rev Kumarathevan Balakrishnan, 51
“I think for now, it is better to hold the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP) for those who belong to the 12 to 17 age group as we do not want to put their health at risk.
“As parents, we are very much worried about the side effects of the vaccine and we do not want our children to be affected in the long run.
“We will only allow our children to be inoculated after an in-depth study is conducted to ensure that the vaccines are safe for teenagers. Let the adult population in Malaysia complete their vaccination first.
“I believe it will not be wrong to say that the vaccines that are currently being administered around the globe are still in the ‘testing’ stage.
“The Covid-19 vaccines are still new compared to other existing vaccines which were proven of their safety after years of research. So, these vaccines must be carefully studied before they are tried on young people.”
Kumuthan Pattaliraman, 52
“I do not agree with the idea of vaccinating my teenage children with Covid-19 jabs because I feel they would be too strong for them.
“I am afraid of how their body would react to it, looking at the multiple side effects on the adults such as fever, joint pain, vomiting sensation and diarrhoea.
“If schoolgoing children have to be vaccinated and we are unable to say no to the vaccination, this will put my wife and I in a difficult position.”
Esther Vanitha, 49
“Looking at the current situation, I feel that it is good to vaccinate those who are 18 years old and below to create the immunity against the coronavirus.
“But I hope the vaccines are only administered after they are tested safe for our children, as this is our biggest concern as parents.
“Perhaps, the Federal Government can speed up the vaccination programme for the adult population which is more important.”
Adam Khing, 39
“With the surge in Covid-19 cases, it is good for us to vaccinate young people to prevent them from contracting the virus.
“However, before the vaccination programme for them kicks off, we must make sure that the vaccines are scientifically proven to be beneficial for them.
“Other countries have not yet vaccinated children from this age group, so maybe we can wait until more research is conducted.”
Teo Soh Chen, 37
“My only concern is whether the Covid-19 vaccines are suitable for teenagers since they are young and still growing.
“If the vaccines are medically proven safe for teenagers, then I will allow my daughter, who is 13 years old, to get the shots.”
Story by Tanushalini Moroter