PUTATAN – Hundreds of individuals swarmed the vaccination centre (PPV) at Dewan Sri Putatan here today, following a viral message inviting those who have yet to be immunised to turn up as walk-in recipients.
Witnesses claimed that the crowd peaked in the morning, before health workers went on a short break in the afternoon.
The walk-in recipients are believed to have waited for their appointment since March, after registering for the vaccination.
Siman Majid from Kg Petagas said he took advantage of the walk-in invitation after receiving a WhatsApp message about the initiative.
“I have registered (to get jabbed) since March, and waited to be called in.
“I saw many of my friends sharing on Facebook that they have been vaccinated, with most already receiving both doses.
“I asked them how they were able to get jabbed, they told me through walk-ins. That is why I also wanted to be jabbed early.”
Siman said he wanted to be immunised because the government will allow fully vaccinated folk more freedom.
Local resident Ahmad Maladi – who brought his younger brother to get the jab – told The Vibes that he was asked to drop by after lunch as the morning slots were full, even though the original appointment was slotted for 9.30am.
“The health worker said the 400 slots available had all been taken up and told us to return after 2pm.”
He observed that the crowd is unusually bigger in the morning, with the long queue breaching the centre’s compound.
“I was very surprised that the response is that good, but also fearful that the virus may spread with such a large number of people turning up.”
Ahmad’s brother, Yakin, said the vaccination process was orderly, even though a lot of individuals turned up.
However, he added, police showed up only after lunch to manage the crowd.
“A registration counter was opened, and they were talking about the details of the walk-in.
“A friend of mine, who did not have an appointment, registered and was told that he is now on the waiting list. He might get his vaccine tomorrow or the day after.”
A health worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said frontliners are allowed to take the details of walk-in recipients, and will call them when scheduled sessions are finished.
He said he is aware of the viral message and is surprised that many turned up at the PPV today.
“Despite the slow registration, I believe many people want to be vaccinated.” – The Vibes, July 25, 2021
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