MELAKA – The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has denied allegations that senior citizens at care centres nationwide have been sidelined in the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.
Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun said 180,933 of the 1.86 million registered seniors have received both doses of the coronavirus vaccine, while 693,065 have gotten their first dose.
They include seniors under the care of the Social Welfare Department (SWD) and non-governmental organisations, she told the press after witnessing a vaccination exercise at Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheng today.
“A total of 652 senior citizens housed at institutions under SWD have received the first dose of the vaccine. So, allegations that we have allowed the elderly to be sidelined in the vaccination drive are untrue.”
She said the ministry has asked SWD officers to promote vaccination registration among care-home residents.
Rina also urged senior citizens not to be influenced by fake news on the Covid-19 vaccine.
“Regarding a viral post on a nurse telling the elderly to reject the vaccine, I ask that we first ensure whether the information we get is true or fake.
“I feel sad because nurses are frontliners who have been working hard to help people amid the pandemic.
“At the same time, I will ask the Health Ministry to investigate, as we do not want anyone to take advantage of the situation.” – Bernama, May 25, 2021
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