Jab well done!

 

There are times when you have to hail a superb government effort and yesterday was one of those occasions.

Prolific is the word that springs to mind when one thinks about the enterprise of the health ministry-led staff and volunteers at some Covid-19 vaccination centres (PPVs).

One exemplary PPV is the Malaysian International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, where I received my first dose of the Pfizer jab yesterday.

Everyone on duty had a specific task and they exhibited pragmatism, endeavour and expertise.

They appeared sprightly in a unified mission to put some sheen on a sluggish vaccine rollout.

The meticulous planning and coordination at the centre must be emulated by the government to improve public service delivery and to create a sense of freshness among civil servants.

If all government departments pulsed with this kind of energy, things would be done quicker, and we would all be a happy lot.

My experience at the centre was a comforting one after roiling in doom and gloom for more than a year.

I am now in the company of more than two million other Malaysians who have received their first jab and are poised to gain protection against a disease that has brought the world to its knees.

Having always been in a much better shape than the country, I am confident that I will feel even better after my second shot on June 25.

It was, however, an anxious trip to MITEC for my 9.30am appointment, having tinkered with diets over two days, moaning about possible side effects and worrying about facilities.

The courteous workers soon settled my mind by offering unsolicited encouragement.

It got better in the waiting area in the hall, and by the end, a happy feeling emerged – one of having been vaccinated and being in a position to protect others.

The shot was quick and the whole process that began with a short wait, followed by a brief medical observation, was over in about 45 minutes.

It doesn’t mean the vaccine has freed me to have wild times, which won’t happen anyway, given my age .

I have another three weeks until my first jab fully arms my immune system, before waiting for a second dose to seal the deal.

And, even then, I am at risk of transmitting the virus although unaffected by symptoms. Further, vaccinated persons are still subject to mask-wearing and physical distancing.

Besides feeling more secure, those inoculated have done their part to protect senior citizens who account for vast numbers of Covid-19 deaths in Malaysia.

On the other hand, herd immunity will free up hospital beds and get our health service back on its feet. Normality might resume, albeit slowly.

With new variants of the coronavirus appearing, there will be more trouble ahead, but for now, let’s accept with gratitude the benefits of Covid vaccines in the interest of our health, and for the wellbeing of others.

Covid vaccines are the one beacon of hope we have in these dark days and those hesitating to get their shots ought to think about other people rather than themselves. - FMT

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.