SIGN UP TO HELP WIN COVID-19 BATTLE

IREAD with dismay a newspaper report recently about the possibility of the occurrence of a fourth wave of Covid-19 infections amid the increasing number of virus cases in several states.

If the recent statement by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin is anything to go by, the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme seems to be going at a slow pace.

Vaccine scepticism and hesitancy should be rid of if we really care for our lives, our country and most importantly, our loved ones. It is rather discouraging to see that there are still many, many more Malaysians out there who are reluctant or hesitant to sign up for vaccination.

Khairy has also said the voluntary vaccination policy may be reviewed by July if registration is still low.

What does this mean? It only indicates that most of us are still taking things for granted, like this virus is no big deal. The government has long started the ball rolling and as responsible citizens, we should not dilly-dally but register quickly and get vaccinated.

Already nine cases of that highly contagious South African Covid-19 variant have been detected based on genome sequencing in this country, according to our Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.

Of course, for now, he would say that things were under control but do we want to see an occurrence of this variant outbreak, coupled with the virus itself, before we actually sign up?

Researchers, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, warned that the variant, detected in at least 40 nations, including the United States, may spread faster and could reduce the efficacy of vaccines.

The “wait and see” attitude prevalent among us and those who already have their minds made up about the vaccine or those who have been bastions for the anti-vaccine movement, are of no help either.

We must assist the government in battling this war against the pandemic to achieve herd immunity in this country. The best, possible way is by signing up for the vaccine so that we can win this battle in the shortest possible time.

Moving forward after the outbreak which has ruined almost all aspects of our life since early last year, we must not be swayed by those misinformation, spread on social media, which narratives are nothing less but to cause uneasiness, create hatred and agitation amongst us.

The government has made the vaccines available. Thus, it becomes our responsibility to accept the vaccines offered for free by the government.

Perhaps, the ministries concerned should intensify or hold more campaigns to address fear of side effects of vaccines to instil confidence.

This is because transmitting vaccine-related messaging through the various platforms is likely to convince people who are hesitant. In addition, all issues relating to vaccination must be addressed specifically.

Of course, our authorities have carried out various forms of vaccine messaging or programmes thus far like by engaging influencers, popular artistes, national leaders and so on. Or, getting more health specialists, doctors and other health frontliners to spread the word, could be more effective.

Or, they could engage those who have been vaccinated to relate their experiences. Whatever the measures being carried out and going to be taken, protect yourself in order to protect all.