HUNDREDS of senior citizens made a beeline for several designated Covid-19 vaccination centres (PPVs) in Seberang Perai that permitted walk-ins today.
The PPVs involved are Dewan Millenium in Kepala Batas, SP Arena (Seberang Jaya) and Dewan Serbaguna Jawi (Nibong Tebal).
On the island, it will be at Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Relau starting from tomorrow (Aug 3).
On July 29, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow had announced that senior citizens who had not received any vaccination appointments could walk in for the jab.
Chow also said the walk-ins are only meant for those aged 60 and above who have not registered for the vaccination at all or those who registered but missed their appointments.
The Buletin Mutiara team today visited the PPVs involved on the mainland to observe the situation at the three PPVs and also to interview several senior citizens who had been inoculated.
Elderly folk could be seen adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) at the vaccination centre to get their first dose today.
Most of the elderly were also accompanied by their children, while some came with walking sticks and others in wheelchairs.
Among them was Hor Pun Fong, 70.
“I have a problem with the MySejahtera application.
“I am not sure why but I am unable to register myself for the vaccination. I have also asked my son to help me out but the problem still persists.
“Luckily, my son told me yesterday that senior citizens like myself could just walk in to the designated PPVs to receive the jab.
“I am so happy to hear that and I arrived here very early today, accompanied by my son. Hopefully, everything will be just fine,” she said when met at the Dewan Millenium today.
Another elderly person, Rosnah Yakob, 61, said she is thankful to the state government for expediting the vaccination process for senior citizens.
“I had registered for Covid-19 vaccination a few months ago through MySejahtera application but did not get any appointment.
“But my friends who are of the same age as me all had already received their vaccine appointments. Some of them also had already received their first dose.
“So, this makes me a little bit worried.
“And thankfully, when I heard about the state government’s announcement that I can just walk in to get the vaccine, I am so glad. Finally, I am vaccinated,” said Rosnah who lives in Lahar Kepar, Kepala Batas.
As for Sulaiman Khamis, 65, he was very excited to get the shot today.
“Finally, the moment that I have been waiting for has arrived.
“Previously, I missed my vaccine appointment due to a transportation issue and since then, I have yet to receive a new appointment.
“So, I am pleased with this walk-in exercise.
“This is the right step for the Penang government to prioritise senior citizens as we fall under the high-risk group,” he said.
For Saadah Mohamad, 70, she is pleased as her wait is finally over.
“I am optimistic of getting the vaccine. I wanted to be vaccinated as early as possible as I fall under the high-risk group.
“And I am happy to be able to walk in today to be inoculated. I have been waiting to get an appointment since May.
“I am not worried as I am healthy and so far, I do not experience any side effects,” she said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad