SIBU: Vaccine recipients under phase two of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme on Monday (Apr 19) thanked the state government for prioritising senior citizens who were in the high-risk group.
Tamby Sulaiman, 84, who was accompanied by his son to the vaccination centre at Sibu Indoor Stadium today, said he was not worried or afraid to receive the vaccine.
He also expressed his gratitude for being selected under the second phase.
“I feel relieved. At least, the vaccine reduces the risk of us getting infected,” said Tamby.
He likened receiving the vaccine to receiving his birthday present.
Asked whether the vaccination injection was painful, he said there was no pain.
Meanwhile, Douglas Jerukan, who was also in his 80s, pointed out the vaccination rollout was a noble initiative by the government.
He said he did not feel afraid when he was being vaccinated and that he made sure he had enough sleep the night before.
“I am very grateful to the government for this vaccine as it is one of the most valuable things at the moment.
“There is no other remedy to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. I did not feel any pain when I received the jab,” he added.
Chian Lilian, 87, the mother of Sibu Municipal Council chairman Clarence Ting Ing Horh, said she was excited to go to the vaccination centre for the jab.
Chian, who was accompanied by Clarence, was grateful for the jab and said she looked forward to receiving the second dose in 21 days’ time.
“This vaccine is a special and valuable gift for me. I hope that I will always be healthy and I want to be protected from the virus. The jab was not painful at all,” she said.
Sibu was selected as the first location in the state to implement phase two of the programme which started today.
A total of 924 senior citizens in Sibu division received their Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine during the one-day programme.
Earlier on, state health director Dr Chin Zin Hing stated that 929,435 people were targeted to receive the vaccine during phase two of the vaccination programme.
For Sarawak, the second phase began in Sibu division today. It will take place in Kuching, Serian, Sri Aman, Betong, Kapit, Mukah and Miri on Apr 23 and in Miri on Apr 30.
The programme in Sibu was officiated by Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Dr Annuar Rapaee.
Also present were Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew, acting Sibu Resident Wong Hee Sieng and Sibu Division health officer Dr Teh Jo Hun.
The situation at the vaccination centre.
