Malaysia

Penangites to get confidence shot in accepting Covid-19 jab

State govt to vaccinate 1.3 million residents in hopes of achieving herd immunity

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 22 Feb 2021 8:35PM

Penangites to get confidence shot in accepting Covid-19 jab
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow says if the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme runs smoothly, the country will recover in terms of public health. – AFP pic, February 22, 2021

by Arulldas Sinnappan

GEORGE TOWN – Penang will go all out to boost the confidence level of its residents in accepting the Covid-19 vaccine so the state can achieve herd immunity.

In a bid to put down the fatal strain, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said state and health authorities need to communicate with the masses to increase their level of acceptance.

This follows several unverified reports circulating on social media about the dangers of getting the Covid-19 vaccine. However, specialists have declared these to be inaccurate.

Penang targets 70% of its population, or 1.3 million people, to be inoculated.

Therefore, Chow said, it is hoped that the specially established Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force can play an effective role in boosting the people’s confidence in regard to the vaccine.

“The state health department has shared some good news. As of yesterday, there will be no more red zones in Seberang Prai Utara and Seberang Prai Selatan.

“The northeast and southwest districts have only two red zones each, while Seberang Prai Tengah has one.”

He said during the same period, the estimated R-naught for the country was at 0.9, but Penang recorded a rate of 0.89.

“Let us all pray that the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme runs smoothly so we can recover in terms of public health.” – The Vibes, February 22, 2021

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