SENIOR citizens who turned up at the new mega Covid-19 vaccination centre (PPV) at Setia SPICE Convention Centre on its first day of operation today were delighted with the walk-in service offered as their wait for vaccination was finally over.
Among them was 66-year-old Selmiah Saad, who expressed her relief after getting her first shot of Covid-19 vaccine today. She was accompanied by her son to the PPV.
“Earlier in June, I had missed my vaccination appointment as I was not aware of the notification. If I were to register again, then it would surely take some time to get another appointment.
“I am glad that the walk-in service is provided for senior citizens, and we are now able to receive the vaccine without any delay.
“I come from Bukit Jambul, accompanied by my son. He helped to queue up for me as I cannot stand too long.
“I came around 9am and everything went on smoothly. It took at least one hour for the whole process to finish,’’ said Selmiah when she was interviewed by the Buletin Mutiara team today.
For housewife Lim Bee Leng, 61, there was some confusion over her vaccination appointment.
“I am from Penang island, and I live in Taman Pekaka, Sungai Nibong. I registered via MySejahtera App using that address, but I was given an appointment at a PPV in Nibong Tebal on the mainland.
“So, I requested for a rescheduling of the appointment at a PPV on the island. For the second time, the same thing happened whereby I was asked to go to the PPV on mainland.
“But today I am extremely happy because I am able to get my jab at the walk-in facility. This is really a good move,’’ Lim said.
Senior citizen Chellamah Muthaloo was happy and at the same time a little anxious, thinking of the possible side effects of the vaccine.
“I have diabetes and high blood pressure. That is why I am a bit worried; otherwise, I am happy that I get to take my vaccine today.
“I did receive an appointment for vaccination, but it was unfortunate that just one day before receiving the appointment, I found out that I tested positive for Covid-19.
“So, I had to reject it and now after fully recovering I am here to receive my jab,’’ said Chellamah, who was accompanied by her daughter.
Meanwhile, Dr Norhashimah Ismail, who oversees the PPV Setia SPICE, said that overwhelming response was received from the senior citizens on the first day of the walk-in vaccination exercise.
“I believe due to the increasing awareness of the importance of prevention, quite a number of senior citizens have come forward for the vaccination today.
“As of this morning, a total of 160 senior citizens have registered at the walk-in counter and we expect more. We have prepared 500 to 600 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech to be administered to them today.
“The daily dosages administered for walk-in counter would depend on the number of senior citizens who turn up daily. If there are fewer people then we will reduce it,’’ said Dr Norhashimah.
Dr Norhashimah also requested children who send their elderly parents to the PPV to stay with them till the vaccination process is over.
“Our advice is please make sure that you accompany your parents and assist them. Do not leave them alone,’’ she added.
Apart from that, Dr Norhashimah said the centre also caters to other recipients who have registered via MySejahtera.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud