Abang Johari (left) speaking to members of the public who came to BCCK today. Also seen is Uggah (right) and Dr Sim (second, right).
KUCHING (June 7): Around 1,000 people, mostly those aged 60 and above, received their first dose of AstraZeneca (AZ) Covid-19 vaccine at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Some arrived at the vaccination centre as early as 8am to receive their injections as everything was very orderly and well organised for those who went to BCCK.
“Volunteers are doing an excellent job in assisting those who want to receive their vaccine. I was shepherded along the assembly line very efficiently,” said Francis Chan, who was one of those who went there to receive the AZ vaccine today.
Organisers the AZ vaccination drive revealed that only those with appointment can receive their injections today.
Some of those who received their vaccines said that they were relieved that they were finally vaccinated after registering and waiting for their turn patiently.
Muhd Halil Abd Manaf and Zoraidah Leen who are husband and wife, said they opted to receive the AZ vaccine because it was the opportunity that came first to them.
“We just take whatever it as available for us. All we wanted is to get vaccinated as soon as possible,” said Zoraidah.
Another AZ vaccine recipient, Dayang Khamsiah Awang Omar, also said that she felt relieved to finally receive the vaccine today.
Like most of those who were interviewed, she said she was merely taking whichever vaccine that was available to her first.
“I believe what is important is that the state achieve herd immunity against Covid-19 as soon as possible so I am doing my part in getting myself as soon as possible too,” said Dayang Khamsiah.
The AZ vaccine recipients awaiting their turn to get their injections at the BCCK today.
Meanwhile, the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) said the AstraZeneca vaccines will be administered at two AstraZeneca Vaccination Centres (PPVAZ) in Sarawak from today (June 7) until Jul 27, said .
It said the two PPVAZs will be operating at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here and the National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) in Miri.
“The PPVAZ at BCCK will operate from 8am to 9pm (Monday to Friday) and from 8am to 5pm on weekends.
“In Miri, the PPVAZ at IKBN will be open from 8am to 5pm daily,” said the committee recently.
A total of 152,800 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines were provided for Sarawak for this round.
Medical personnel seen administering the AZ vaccine to a recipient at the BCCK today.
For the first three days of vaccination drive (from Jun 7 to 9), BCCK will serve up to 1,000 doses a day and the number of it serve will be increased after that.
Sarawak had initially rejected the AstraZeneca vaccine, due to public concern over its possible effects.
However Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas later on announced that the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force Sarawak had agreed to let the AstraZeneca vaccine be used in Sarawak on a voluntary and first-come, first-served basis by appointment.
Following the overwhelming public response to the vaccine, the government, on May 27, restored the vaccine to the Covid-19 National Immunisation Programme’s mainstream vaccine list.
Previously, the decision to implement the voluntary or ‘opt-in’ method was made after seeing reluctance among the community to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine, due to reports linking it to cases of blood clots.
Also present to inspect the first day of the AstraZeneca vaccination drive at the BCCK today were Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, Uggah himself, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian and other officials.