WHILE the effectiveness of the ongoing vaccination programme is still being debated, state leaders have stepped up to participate in the state-level Covid-19 Immunisation Programme which was launched by the Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow on Feb 28.
During the launch, Chow together with his deputies Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman and Prof Dr P. Ramasamy as well as other state personnel were vaccinated to kick-start the immunisation programme in Penang.
Following this, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim has also successfully received her first vaccination shot at the Jalan Perak Klinik Kesihatan today.
Upon getting vaccinated, Lim told Buletin Mutiara that the whole process went on smoothly and that she was not frightened to undergo the vaccination process.
“It was not that painful. Moreover, being a mother of five, needles and syringes were something that I have dealt with during my labour.
“Many are afraid of getting vaccinated as they are worried of its side effects, but I think the ratio of benefits is much higher than the risk of the side effects.
“My advice is therefore, do not fear and get yourself registered for the vaccination programme via MySejahtera app.
“We are all exposed to the risk of contracting the virus. Thus, the only way to totally eradicate the pandemic is through vaccination,” said Lim.
Lim stated that the most important thing prior to getting vaccinated is to inform the medical personnel if the individual is suffering from any health issues.
“While registering for the vaccination programme via MySejahtera app, we would be giving our particulars on our health status.
“So, we must be honest with ourselves so that we do not complicate things,” said Lim, adding that her second vaccination shot is scheduled to take place on March 22.
Besides the state leaders, there are others who are also optimistic of the effectiveness of the vaccination programme and are looking forward to taking part in the programme.
For academic director Dr A. Sujithra Devi, who has registered for the vaccination programme, she believes that vaccines are the best way to combat the disease.
“Vaccine helps to develop the immune response against the virus and reduces the risk of a person developing an illness. It also increases one’s ability to fight the virus.
“Furthermore, it reduces the infection rate within a community which is fundamental in curbing the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Apart from that, it also protects individuals with high risk,” said Dr Sujithra Devi, who is also a researcher in the field of biotherapeutics.
Sharing a similar view, Dr Puvaneswaran Pandian, who is a senior manager for marketing and business development at AJ Research & Pharma Sdn Bhd, said most of Covid-19 vaccines show an efficacy rate of more than 90 percent.
“You see, human beings are not new to vaccines. We have been vaccinated at different stages of life since our birth.
“People might talk about the side effects of the vaccines and the health risks it might pose, but if we think carefully even a panadol has a side effect.
“Risk is everywhere. It is not only by taking vaccines; we are also risking our lives if we do not take it.
“The vaccines have been clinical proven, went through so many layers of research and now that they have landed on our shores, let us take them to create the immunity against the virus.
K. Judith Kavithra
For college student K. Judith Kavithra, she feels that the government could perhaps educate the public more on the whereabouts of vaccines and how they work.
“I have not registered for the immunisation programme yet as I am concerned about the properties in vaccines.
“From what I understand, there are four types of vaccines, namely whole virus protein, protein subunit, viral vector and nucleic acid (RNA and DNA).
“So, if we are given an in-depth information about the types of the vaccines that have been brought into Malaysia, it would give us an idea on how they will work on the human body.
“Personally, if it (vaccine) is made by fusing with natural components such as extract from herbal leaves, then I think it would be safe,” said Judith.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Law Suun Ting