By Nazrinzulaiqa Hasbi
KUCHING: Most students heaved a huge sigh of relief after receiving their first Covid-19 vaccination ahead of the reopening of schools scheduled on Oct 3.
However, there are still some students who are hesitant to go back to school but have expressed that their worries are slightly reduced given the extra protection obtained from vaccination.
Earlier in August, federal Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun had called upon students, especially those between the ages of 12 and 17, to get themselves vaccinated before the reopening of schools.
She said the move was urgently needed because children and teenagers were also at risk of getting infected by the coronavirus.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin recently announced the nationwide vaccination programme for the age group, which began in Sarawak yesterday (Sept 8) as the state had achieved the benchmark of 80 percent vaccinated adults.
New Sarawak Tribune managed to speak to Form 4 and Form 5 students who were present at the Telaga Air Health Clinic for their first dose of the vaccine yesterday.
Mohd Thaqiffaiz Hasbi, 17
I feel relieved and happy because I have been vaccinated. I am also looking forward to the reopening of school because I cannot concentrate fully during online learning. With the vaccine, I feel safer to go to school. I advise all students to get vaccinated for their own health and safety.
Mariacloudia, 16
Although I was nervous, I was happy to receive the vaccine. With this vaccine, I feel safer attending face-to-face lessons at school.
Mohd Iqmal Hakimi Ahmad, 16
I am grateful that I have been to be able to get the vaccine. However, I feel still uncertain about going back to school because I am still worried about the infection of Covid-19. I think it is important for all of my peers to get themselves vaccinated for our own good.
Intan Fatehah, 16
After receiving the vaccine, I feel safer. I cannot wait for the reopening of school as I know that I have additional protection. I would like to tell other students to please take the vaccine for everyone’s safety.
Nurul Syakinah Masri, 16
I feel happy after getting the vaccine and I also feel safe about going back to school. I felt nervous taking the vaccine at first time but my teacher gave me encouragement and information about the vaccine for assurance.
