CONVENIENT and fast. These were the exact words uttered by several individuals who turned up for their Covid-19 vaccine second dose appointment at the drive-thru facility at Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) main campus in Gelugor today.
This initiative was part of the state and Federal Government’s plan to accelerate the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP) in the country, as well as to accommodate the needs of senior citizens, disabled individuals and other vulnerable groups.
Associate Professor Dr Saratha (School of Mathematical Sciences), who was accompanied by her husband to receive her dose, said she was proud of USM for participating in this nationwide effort, that too in a mode different from normal PPV’s, to make the entire process easy for vulnerable groups.
“This way, it is more efficient and protective for eligible recipients. It would not have been possible if not for the doctors, students and volunteers at USM.
“It is hoped they will keep up the good work and continue to serve the people.
“We need to speed up the vaccination effort, not only in Penang but throughout the country in order to achieve herd immunity,” Saratha told Buletin Mutiara during an exclusive interview at USM today.
It was learnt that the drive-thru facility kicked off its operations on July 23 and today (July 26) was the second day. It is from 9am to 1pm (Monday to Friday only).
Mohd Rashid Abdul Rejab, who is the special officer to USM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan, said as of now, the drive-thru facility caters to 100 individuals daily.
“We will increase the number progressively. There is also a static PPV prepared in the same zone as the drive-thru.
“In total, both the PPVs have a capacity of 800 vaccinations daily.
“We have about 100 to 120 individuals managing the operations daily, who include doctors, students and volunteers from USM only.
“This PPV will operate until end of the year and during this course, we hope to assist as many people to speed up the vaccination programme in the state,” Rashid told Buletin Mutiara today.
Saidatul Ruzza, who drove her father, Tamin Noor Mohamed, 64, who is wheelchair-bound, to receive his jab, commended USM for setting up the drive-thru facility.
“This effort is important for people like my father because as a responsible country, it is important that the leaders and authorities show concern toward the vulnerable groups,” said Saidatul.
Another 65-year-old recipient, Lee Lian Siew, enjoyed the comfort of being vaccinated from the car and described it as an effective method for second dose recipients.
“This method managed to avoid overcrowding, which is very important during this period.
“Thank you so much to USM and all the staff working on the field for such a useful initiative,” Lee said.
She was accompanied by her niece.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Alissala Thian