KJ: “Phase 3 might be delayed due to inadequate vaccines”, M’sians Express Concerns

Disclaimer: This piece reflects the writer’s opinion and compiled opinions of others on the subject matter. It does not reflect the opinions or beliefs of WORLD OF BUZZ.

On the first day of the AstraZeneca vaccinations, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation visited the WTCKL vaccination centre and held a press conference there.

In the said press conference, he mentioned that the vaccine supply for Phase 2 is going well. However, Phase 3, which is supposed to start in May, might be delayed to June as the minister stated that there may not be enough vaccines to start the phase, reported Utusan TV.

One of the reasons for that is not due to the government but because of the unstable supply of vaccines. Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said that pharmaceutical companies producing the vaccines prioritised rich countries over Malaysia, according to Astro Awani.

We have approached a few Malaysians who were slotted for Phase 3 on this issue and asked them to share their worries with us.

TB, 23 says,

“My priority throughout this pandemic has always been to get vaccinated as soon as possible because I can’t bear to live with the fear of constantly worrying that I might contract Covid every time I step outside. I care more about getting vaccinated and preserving my safety than what kind of vaccine was going to be administered to me. While I’m still well aware of the risks and side effects I might experience after taking AstraZeneca, I don’t regret jumping at the opportunity to sign up for it, especially now given the fact that the rest of the population might not be vaccinated until much later in the year.”

Thermesh, 24 says,

“Simply put, I’m disappointed but not surprised. My father who’s living in Penang couldn’t register for the AZ vaccine and has to wait for his appointment in the second phase but now that the supply is not enough for phase 3, his chances are looking dim. The 3rd phase tentatively starts in May, and my father is technically not high-risk, just above 60. So what guarantee is there that he won’t be pushed to the third phase? It’s astonishing that the minister previously said that the supply would be enough but is now backtracking so easily, but let’s be honest here, is that new for this government?”

Eliza, 25 said,

“I live in a state outside Selangor and Kuala Lumpur and so it immediately disqualifies me for a chance to get the Astra Zeneca vaccination. To be very truthful, I am very scared of contracting Covid-19 as I am living in a house with two elderly and a baby. My household is vulnerable. I was anticipating getting vaccinated so that I can keep the people around me safe but when I heard the announcement that Phase 3 will be delayed, I am left heartbroken and shattered as it means more months of anxiety and paranoia for me. My parents who are in Phase 2 haven’t even gotten their vaccination appointment yet. I just feel like I am losing my mind.”

Other than that, we also talked to an elderly (unnamed) couple, 65 & 63, who have yet to receive their vaccines albeit having registered for it on the first day of registration.

“It is definitely a scary situation to be in where we have no choice but to take the vaccines so that we can continue having a normal life while also being responsible citizens. We just hope that the vaccination programme can be sped up so that the Covid-19 spread can be curbed. Without the vaccine, even stepping out of the house is risky.”

In the same report by Utusan TV, it is mentioned that the AstraZeneca opt-in program will be introduced in other red zones in the future.

What is your take on this? Let us know in the comments. 

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