GEORGE TOWN – “What is there to be afraid of? Nothing!,” Lee Ah Kim, 97, told Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, while he waited to be one of the first senior citizens to receive the first Covid-19 vaccine in the state yesterday.
“My son registered for my vaccination and brought me here. I’ve got a broken leg, but I’m still here,” the ex-construction worker said.
Penang started its inoculation program for senior citizens at five different locations yesterday.
They are the Penang Caring Complex at the Northeast District, Balik Pulau Sports Complex at the Southwest District, Dewan Serbaguna Jawi at Seberang Perai Selatan District, Dewan Millennium Kepala Batas at the Seberang Perai Utara District and Seberang Perai Arena Convention Centre at the Seberang Perai Tengah District.
Chow said that the registration rate in Penang is sluggish, with only 44.5% registrants.
“We hope that with the kick-off of Phase 2, the registration for vaccines will increase to reach the program target.
“I also want to remind those who have registered to check your MySejahtera, so you know when is your vaccination appointment and remember to accept the appointment as well.
We found out that around 30% do not check their MySejahtera after they register.
“If the required steps are not taken, it will affect the inoculation program,” he said.
The state Health Department will also be looking at having outreach teams to conduct vaccinations at old folks’ homes, as well as factories for economic frontliners.
A total of 2,024 senior citizens aged 85 and above are due to receive the vaccinations.
Penang Health Department director, Datuk Dr Asmayani Khalib, said that the elderly vaccinated yesterday will be receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
“Come forward and register, don’t be worried or afraid. This is safe.
“Hopefully we will be able to get it done as soon as possible,” she said. – The Vibes, April 20, 2021
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