The Malaysian government aims to boost the country’s vaccination rate to 400,000 a day by August to achieve an 80 per cent herd immunity by September.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting your COVID-19 vaccination.
1. Should I receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
By taking the vaccine, you ensure your prevention from getting the COVID-19 virus and greatly minimise the risk of transmission within the family, community and prevent the country’s healthcare system from being overwhelmed.
If a high percentage of the population is vaccinated, this will protect vulnerable groups who aren’t able to receive the vaccine, such as;
- people with compromised immune systems
- pregnant women
- children under 16
2. What are the vaccines available for me?
There are currently four manufacturers for the COVID-19 vaccine approved in Malaysia;
These three vaccines have been assessed by the Ministry of Health (MoH) to have met safety and efficacy standards.
3. Show me how to sign up for the vaccine programme
To Malaysian citizens and non-citizen, there are 3 easy ways to get register for the COVID-19 vaccination;
- register through the MySejahtera app
- register through the vaksincovid.gov.my
- calling Malaysia’s designated Vaccine Hotline at 1800-88-828
4. What do I need to do as my vaccination date is approaching soon?
As your MySejahtera app has provided your vaccination date, plan depending on your location.
If your vaccination centre is located in Putra World Trade Centre or Universit Kebangsaan Malaysia, but you live a distance away, book a hotel nearby (to avoid cancellations, ensure the hotel can receive bookings for vaccination purposes), so no need to rush home after your vaccination.
Arrive 30 minutes earlier in your designated location with the following items to smoother the process;
- An identification card or passport
- Pen
- External battery charger
- Other supportive documents, if necessary
- A water bottle
- An item to browse through while waiting (be it a book or a gaming console)
Depending on the location, a volunteer, police officer, or RELA officer will guide you from one waiting station to the next.
Here are the following steps/stations you will encounter along the way before your vaccination;
- Station 1 – A volunteer will pass you a form to fill in your details and the vaccine you will be taking
- Station 2 – A volunteer will scan your MySejahtera and IC to verify your identification and appointment
- Station 3 – A doctor will ask if you have any allergies or taking any medication
- Station 4 – You’ll head for your vaccination station
Once you have acquainted with your doctor, they go through a consultation on the benefits and risks of the jab. You’ll then be informed of the details of the vaccine and the amount you will receive.
5. Congratulations, you have been vaccinated!
Once you have received your vaccination, you’ll head to a hall and be kept under observation for at least 30 minutes. This is to monitor for any immediate adverse reactions.
Medical personnel will inform you of the following side effects you might experience in the next few days and visit an emergency room nearby if your symptoms continue to cause you pain.
Volunteers or medical personnel will provide you with a vaccination card to confirm your inoculation, where you can then go home to rest.
6. What are the common side effects & how to report them
The most commonly reported ones are:
- pain/swelling/redness at the injection site
- tiredness
- fever
- nausea
- feeling unwell
- headaches
- chills
- joint pain
For the Ministry Of Health to monitor side effects and Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) effectively, citizens will receive a scheduled MySejahtera notification to report them.
7. Keep up-to-date on vaccination programmes and the current COVID-19 situation
Links about Malaysia’s Covid-19 Vaccine Program 2021
Stay updated with the latest information regarding the COVID-19 situation.
- Malaysian Ministry of Health Facebook
- Malaysia National Security Council Facebook
- Malaysia Ministry of Education Facebook
- Malaysian Ministry of Defence Facebook
- The Complete 2021 Guide for MCO, CMCO, RMCO in Malaysia
Let us continue to keep our heads above the water for the sake of ourselves, our loved ones and our community.
Keep calm and carry on the Malaysian spirit as high as you can!
#StayHopefulWithIQI