MIRI – Concerned parents of schoolgoing children are bombarding the authorities and state politicians in Sarawak with queries over Covid-19 vaccinations for their children.
They are asking for clarification on the matter from those in authority over social media and chat groups.
Many want answers from the state Disaster Management Committee (DMC) and Sarawak Public Information Unit, as well as from Assistant State Public Health Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee and state DMC adviser Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.
A parent, Chee Wee Foo, expressed concern that no state authority has given any confirmation on vaccinating children and teenagers yet.
“Schools are starting soon, so when can our schoolgoing teens be vaccinated? she asked Dr Sim.
Another parent, Zaitun Ujan, told Dr Annuar that she will readily bring her schoolgoing kids to be vaccinated.
“We (her family) agree that the vaccination is important as long as the vaccine to be used is safe for young teens,” she said.
Kho Li Yen said she agrees that vaccinating youngsters is crucial before they return to school.
“That is the only means of internal defence of the body against Covid-19, so I agree totally that all school kids aged 12 to 17 must be vaccinated,” she said.
Siti Baki said there is little time left before the school term starts again next month.
“The government must let us know which vaccine is safe for young teens.
“They must start the vaccination process now,” she said.
The Education Ministry had announced last month that schools across the country will resume physical classes in stages starting September 1.
Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, himself a medical doctor, said today that, with travel restrictions eased and schools reopening, the dangers faced by the youth are increasing.
He warned on social media that the Delta, Delta Plus and Lambda variants are far more ferocious and deadly compared with the original Covid-19 coronavirus.
He stressed that, with minors not yet sanctioned for inoculations in Malaysia, Sarawak has seen more youth infected by Covid-19, with some developing serious symptoms.
“To make it worse, the (federal) government is opening up social and economic spheres and allowing more travel to take place. And, schools are reopening next month.
“All these put our young ones at greater risk of getting infected and becoming carriers who can transmit to other students and their families at home,” he said in urging the government to start vaccinating teenagers immediately.
The Vibes had yesterday reported medical and education experts warning of students becoming superspreaders, especially in view of the aggressive Delta variant and with children under 18 yet to be vaccinated.
Dr Annuar has said that Sarawak will only administer Covid-19 vaccinations for youth aged 12 to 17 if independent medical experts give the go-ahead.
“If they give the clearance, the Sarawak DMC will take it up and implement it,” Dr Annuar said.
State Health Department data revealed that hospitals in the state are recording more young patients.
Dr Sim, who is also state Housing and Local Government Minister, cited the Covid-19 situation at Sarawak General Hospital in the capital Kuching, the largest public hospital in the state.
“From July 15 to August 3, statistics from Sarawak General Hospital showed that, out of 1,000 Covid-19 patients, at least 20% of them are aged below 18.
“This is a trend that we need to be concerned about.
“Those below 18 are not vaccinated as yet (due to national policy) but in Sarawak, these young ones are getting infected at a worrying rate,” he said.
He said Sarawak is looking into the possibility of Covid-19 vaccinations for teenagers aged between 12 to 18, as well as adding a third injection booster for adults.
Dr Sim said only the Pfizer vaccine can be used on teens. – The Vibes, August 12, 2021
