GOMBAK, Nov 14 — The free pneumococcal and influenza vaccines provided to 5,000 senior citizens and those at risk of contracting ailments is indicative of the state government’s concern for the health of its people.
Military retiree Yusoff Din, 70, said this is proof the state government has never forgotten the welfare of the elderly, as they are susceptible to various diseases.
“My wife and I underwent this vaccination for bodily immunity, even though I have diabetes. Doing so is really for the benefit of people like us,” he said during the Selcare Vaccination Programme at Surau Al-Hidayah in Taman Keramat Permai, yesterday.
Meanwhile, private retiree Ahya Almuddin Zainal Adnan, 65, said the free vaccines are greatly beneficial to retirees with no income sources.
“I took this opportunity to get vaccinated because it was free. To go to the clinic and get vaccinated for pneumococcal and influenza is fairly expensive.
“I hope this initiative can be extended to all Selangor residents who cannot afford to get vaccinated,” he said.
Former truck driver and cancer patient Ahmad Fodoli Mat Som, 65, said the vaccines have been of immense importance to his health.
“The state government seems to be wholly aware of the hardships that people like me face. They have carried out numerous initiatives like affordable sales of basic necessities, and now these free vaccinations. I sincerely hope this state government continues to administer Selangor,” he said.
On November 10, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari announced a RM1.5 million fund for 10,000 doses of free vaccines, with 5,000 doses of pneumococcal and influenza vaccine each, as part of the move to guarantee the health of the high-risk population
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Selangor implemented the Selangor Vaccine (Selvax) programme to expedite the public’s immunisation rate, which was followed by a booster dose programme under Selvax Booster.
The state government has also allocated RM3.4 million to realise the Selangor Saring free health screening programme, which has benefitted up to 40,000 state residents, particularly those with a history of hereditary illnesses, obese individuals, and those leading unhealthy lifestyles.
