(From left) Dr Annuar, Sibu Resident Wong Hee Sieng and Sibu Divisional Health officer Dr Teh Jo Hun check around at the vaccination centre.
SIBU (Sept 9): Many students are said not too keen to receive the Covid-19 vaccination, and Assistant Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dr Annuar Rapaee wants to know why.
Speaking to reporters during the vaccination programme for those aged 16 and 17 years old at the civic centre here yesterday, he said he might have to hold meetings with school counselors and parents to understand problems faced by the students.
He said although the (student) names submitted to the Health Department had the consent from schools, he believed there were many students who did not turn up for the vaccination.
“We will see how many did not turn up, and why. Maybe there is transportation or other problems.
“We will do a bit of counselling for those who are hesitant, and those who reject the vaccine,” he said.
The vaccination of 9,289 students from 33 secondary schools aged 16 and 17 years old in Sibu Division started yesterday and will end on Saturday.
Dr Annuar said students between 12 and 15 years old with comorbidities would also be vaccinated during the programme.
“They have criteria for those with comorbidities; those with diseases and the obese,” he said, adding the students were given Pfizer vaccine.
Other vaccination centres here are at Sibu Jaya multipurpose hall, Selangau Mobile Vaccination centre and Kanowit District Office.
A parent, Bibiana Benjamin, 52, meanwhile, said she was glad that her two children aged 16 and 17 were finally being vaccinated.
She said she had been waiting for this moment to come.
Bibiana Benjamin
“Schools will reopen soon and I have been wondering when the government would start the vaccination programme for students.
“I registered my children for vaccination and I am glad that the day has finally arrived for my two sons to be vaccinated.
“There are many teenagers infected by Covid-19 and I am worried because unvaccinated people have higher risk of being infected by Covid-19,” she said.
Bibiana, who works at Sibu Hospital, said she was not worried about letting her children to have the vaccination.
“I have been waiting, and I do not believe in all those rumours. I truly trust that vaccination can help,” he said.