Malaysia continues to ramp up its mass vaccination efforts this month, by allowing walk-ins to selected vaccination centres (PPV) in the Klang Valley for those who have yet to receive their vaccine appointments. Since the implementation of the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) earlier this year,  more than half of the adult population have been fully vaccinated, with the country setting its sights to fully inoculate the adult population by October 2021.

As it stands, Malaysia currently has one of the fastest vaccination rates per capita in the world, with more than 400,000 doses administered per day. This has certainly played a positive role on our healthcare systems, as  COVID-19 treatment hospitals such as Kuala Lumpur Hospital and Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital are reporting a drop in COVID-19 patient admissions. While daily COVID-19 cases remain in the five-digit figures, the majority of new COVID-19 cases detected were either not vaccinated or had incomplete vaccinations, showing how vaccination is a step towards the right direction in the country’s fight against the pandemic.

As vaccination efforts continue nationwide, the government has also announced ease on restrictions for those fully vaccinated in states under Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan. The relaxed SOPs primarily involve the reopening of economic sectors including the ability to dine-in. An individual is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving the second dose of the vaccines (for Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Sinovac), and 28 days for single-dose vaccines (Johnson & Johnson and CanSino). Health Director General, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah, asserted that the reopening of sectors is due to the  economy, and not because it is safe to do so. Thus, public are urged to continue staying vigilant and not misuse the privileges given to fully vaccinated individuals.

Our fight against the pandemic is far from over. We must continue to stay vigilant and adhere to the SOPs put in place. The road to herd immunity should be driven by a whole of government and society approach. Together, we all have our roles to play in contributing to the success of the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme and achieve herd immunity, to ensure the safety of our loved ones and our community.

Lindungi Diri. Lindungi Semua.