Senior citizens eagerly waiting for vaccine rollout.
Those in high-risk groups say they are willing and all set to get their jabs
PETALING JAYA: Many senior citizens and those in high-risk groups say they can’t wait for the second phase of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout in April.
Citizens aged 60 and those suffering from heart disease, obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure, and the disabled, are included in the second phase of the national immunisation programme which will continue until August.
Part-time civil engineer Chin Fook Khiang, 63, said he was awaiting the rollout of the vaccine with “great expectation” and was grateful that he was in line to get the jab.
“I’m looking forward to it and believe the rollout of the vaccine will enable us to get back our normal lives,” he said, adding that the government had done well in getting the vaccines for Malaysians and foreigners as well.
The Subang Jaya resident said the pandemic disrupted his daily routines such as hiking and walking on trails, adding that he was eager to resume such activities.
He said he knew of people who were apprehensive about being vaccinated due to the spread of misinformation.
“There’s a lot of stuff in the Internet which is not true,” he said, adding that because of this, some people were indecisive.
“So it is best that one refrains from forwarding unverified information,” he said.
Surjeet Kaur Malhotra, 80, said that despite having early reservations on getting vaccinated, she was convinced later from extensive reading and explanation from health experts that the vaccine would help protect the population.
The health consultant and founder of Nordic walking Malaysia said she was now more confident of being vaccinated.
“I want to lead a normal life. Right now I can’t go out and conduct proper training,” said the Damansara resident who urged people to read up on the vaccines from official sources.
Retiree Gurmit Kaur believes that the Covid-19 vaccine will also help prevent mental health issues such as depression and anxiety as people return to their daily routines.
“It’s a good thing that we now have the vaccine as people have been social distancing. When you’re in the senior group, socialising is very important,” said the 62-yearold who lives in Shah Alam.
Mohamad Nazri Abdul Aziz, 59, said he would take a “wait and see” approach on the effectiveness and effects of the vaccine.
“I will be more confident when others show positive results and the vaccine proves to lower the infectivity or death rate,” said the Puchong resident.