By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
PETALING JAYA, Aug 13 — The recent passing of Malaysian singer Siti Sarah Raissuddin due to Covid-19 saw an increase in pregnant women coming forth to get their vaccine shots at the Tropicana Gardens Mall vaccination centre (PPV), here.
Its coordinator Mohammad Zulmajdi Basyeer said since the artist passed away on Monday, some 10 to 20 expectant mothers had visited the PPV through the walk-in vaccination.
“When we were open for walk-ins, the response from this group (pregnant women) was very low, but it had increased in the past three days. Maybe they are beginning to realise the importance of getting vaccinated.
“When asked why they had previously refused to receive the vaccine, on average, the mothers-to-be expressed concern about their pregnancy and were worried of getting side effects after receiving the vaccine,” Mohammad Zulmajdi said today when met at the Selangor Vaccination Programme (Selvax) for the community at Tropicana Gardens Mall PPV, here today.
Siti Sarah was seven months pregnant and delivered her fourth child via an emergency c-section just days before succumbing to the coronavirus.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Zulmajdi said a total of 3,200 individuals from Bandar Utama and Kampung Tunku had received their second dose today after receiving the first jab on July 23.
“For walk-in vaccination, a total of 1,100 vouchers were redeemed. We expect this number to continue to increase today as it is the last day of the initiative.
“Overall, the response for the walk-in initiative has been very encouraging since it started on August 3,” he said.
The walk-in vaccination at five PPVs under Selvax ends at 6pm today.
The other locations include the De Palma Hotel in Shah Alam, Aurora Place in Bukit Jalil and Evo Mall in Bandar Baru Bangi.
The PKNS Sports Complex in Kelana Jaya is also open for walk-ins for foreigners from August 10 until today.
Selangor has allocated 500,000 doses via the Selvax Community programme for 250,000 people in the state, while another two million is set aside for one million workers.
