Get vaccinated for the common good, MMA tells civil servants

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has called on unvaccinated civil servants to get their Covid-19 jabs for “the common good”.

MMA president Dr Koh Kar Chai said there is enough evidence that vaccines work against Covid-19 and it can be seen with severe cases registering a downtrend.

“MMA advises all civil servants who have yet to receive the Covid-19 vaccination to get vaccinated as soon as possible for their own good and for the common good of all.

“It is unfortunate that the Public Service Department (PSD) had to resort to making vaccinations mandatory for all civil servants, though it is understandable as the number of unvaccinated civil servants is alarmingly high.

“There is sufficient evidence that the vaccines do work, are safe and side effects are mostly mild.

“The studies on the Covid-19 vaccines have been independently and thoroughly scrutinised for safety and efficacy not only by leading health organisations but by the regulating bodies of each country before they are approved for use.

“Although fully vaccinated individuals can still be infected, symptoms are mild, and in most cases, will not require hospitalisation,” Dr Koh said in a statement on Wednesday (Oct 6).

And with schools reopening, many parents are concerned over their child’s safety, he added.

“Therefore unvaccinated teachers who are eligible for the vaccine should also take the responsible step of ensuring they are fully vaccinated,” he said.

As the coronavirus has shown its ability to mutate into new variants, Dr Koh said it is even more vital that the people use all available tools to protect themselves and each other against Covid-19.

“It should be noted that even typhoid vaccinations are mandatory for all food handlers in the country.

“Without the typhoid jabs, restaurant operators will not be given their licence to operate.

“Malaysians are known for the habit of eating out almost daily but many do not realise that the typhoid vaccinations have been protecting our population all these years from the disease which can be fatal!” he said.

Dr Koh added that the benefits of getting vaccinated can be seen now with a reduced number of severe cases and the reopening of more sectors.

“The proof is in the pudding, as the saying goes. Very soon, more Malaysians will be able to enjoy interstate and even international travel once again.”

As of 11.59pm on Tuesday (Oct 5), Malaysia has recorded 20,819,254 fully vaccinated individuals or 63.8% of the total population.

An 88.4% of the adult population have completed their two-dose Covid-19 jabs.

The government intends to allow interstate travel once 90% of the adult population are fully vaccinated, and the benchmark is expected to be reached in a few days.

On Sept 30, PSD said almost 98% of the federal civil servants had completed their vaccination, and it would mandate the remaining 16,902 to do likewise.

It added that those who refused vaccination without any medical exemptions would be subject to disciplinary action and that all federal civil servants were to complete their vaccination before Nov 1.