KOTA KINABALU – The fear of side effects from Covid-19 vaccines has led some Sabahans to declare that they will only get the jab if the government makes the inoculation mandatory and resorts to fining those who refuse to get it.
Retiree Chan Ling Chu, 69, told The Vibes that she is afraid of the side effects of the vaccination.
“Although the government has been telling people that it is safe, they do not have solid proof that it is 100% safe,” she said.
Chan, who hails from Sandakan, said that, while she does not suffer from any health conditions, fears that other illnesses could pop up if she receives the vaccine worry her.
She believes she has not been directly exposed to the virus as she stays indoors most of the time.
Chan said she will only register for the vaccine if the government makes the shots compulsory and imposes a fine on those who refused to be inoculated.
Sabah has the lowest number of persons registered for the vaccine in the country.
Only 12.4%, or 362,514 individuals of 2.9 million, targeted for the vaccination drive in the state have registered for it.
Besides registering online, it can also be done manually, a move aimed at getting more Sabahans, especially those in rural areas, to register for the vaccine.
Eugene Tan Sho Hah, 73, who runs a family grocery business in Sandakan, said is concerned about the effects of the vaccine due to his age.
“I do not know if anyone who has received the vaccine has experienced any illnesses, but if there is such a case, I am sure the government is not going to announce it to us because it will make them look bad,” he said.
Claims have surfaced of side effects from the vaccine such as headaches and body aches.
“The risk is there, and I want to avoid it.
“If the government proposes a deadline, I don’t think I will change my mind.
“But if the ban remains that I will not be able to travel between districts, then I will get the shot,” he said.
Fatal dose?
Meanwhile, Edward Quek, 50, said the fact that he has diabetes, high blood pressure and has undergone a major surgery puts him at high risk of suffering from side effects.
“With so many conditions, I think that if the vaccination has any side effects, it may be fatal for me.
“I worry for my health and safety, so I am avoiding the vaccination until the government is able to convince me that it has no side effects,” said the food-stall operator from Sandakan.
Gabriel Hicks, 40, from Kg Ganang, Kapayan here said he is taking his time to register because he knows his turn to be vaccinated is far off.
“I know the first phase is for frontliners, but I am unsure whether I can get it during the second, third or fourth phases, either.
“There are millions of people waiting for the jab, so I will probably be last in line,” he said, adding he registered yesterday after finding out his brother and mother had done so.
The father of three daughters said his children, all under 18, and wife, who is breastfeeding, have yet to register.
“So, I’m taking my chances here by registering for the vaccine first.
“I can’t be certain whether the vaccine will be effective or if I end up sick after getting the jab.
“There’s too much news on the negative side effects of the vaccine.
“So, I am taking a big risk by getting myself vaccinated,” said Hicks. – The Vibes, April 10, 2021
Additional reporting by Rebecca Chong
