KUCHING: His determination to be vaccinated has made Ivann Muammar Imaan Andy, the first child under 12 in Sarawak to receive the Pfizer vaccine for children.
The eldest brother of the three siblings was among 30 children who were vaccinated in conjunction with the launch of the Children’s COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PICKids) at the CRC Auditorium of Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) here yesterday (Thursday).
When met by our reporter, the 10-year-old said although a little nervous, he was very excited to be vaccinated as he was the first child to receive the vaccine in the state.
“No doubt I did feel a little nervous before being vaccinated.
“However, after finishing the injection, I felt very happy.
“I would also like to advise my other friends not to be afraid to be vaccinated because it (injection) is not so painful,” he said.
Meanwhile, his mother Dayang Syafiza Abg Ya’kub, 36, said apart from Ivaan, his 9-year-old son Iann Ummair Rafique was also vaccinated in the programme.
“My youngest child Sara Iviannesa Aisya, who is six years old, is waiting for the next vacancy slot.
“For me, children actually lack an understanding of standard operating procedures (SOPs) in protecting themselves against the COVID-19.
“Therefore, with the availability of vaccines, it is able to help provide protection to their bodies.
“As such, I strongly support this programme because children also deserve protection (from the COVID-19 virus) just like adults,” said the mother of three, who works at the SGH Blood Bank.
