Hadi ready to be one of the first Covid-19 vaccine recipients

 

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said he is prepared to become part of the pioneer group to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.

Hadi said this after being briefed on the national Covid-19 immunisation programme, particularly on the importance of creating herd immunity against the virus.

"Therefore, I would like to state my readiness to be part of the group of early recipients of the Covid-19 vaccine jab, together with the prime minister, as a sign of support for the government's effort in combating this pandemic," he said in a statement today. 

Across the globe, leaders in various countries have publicly taken the Covid-19 vaccine in a bid to inspire confidence amongst its populace.

A survey by the Health Ministry in December last year showed only 67 percent of respondents indicated they were willing to take the Covid-19 vaccine.

The government is targeting to vaccinate 70 percent of the populace to achieve herd immunity.

Previously, Pakatan Harapan had urged the government to initiate a Covid-19 vaccine confidence campaign.

Hadi called on everyone to close ranks and set aside political differences in the fight against Covid-19.

"Our focus now is to ensure the people's safety is guaranteed and the economy recovers," he said.

The first batch of Covid-19 vaccines by Pfizer-BioNtech will arrive at the end of this month.

The government has also placed vaccine orders for China's Sinovac, Russia's Sputnik V and the UK's AstraZeneca. - Mkini