SUNGAI BULOH: The sight of needles caused Omar Naufal’s stomach to churn, but the nine-year-old steeled himself to receive an influenza jab at Rumah Kasih Harmoni in Paya Jaras here.
Omar was one of the 120 maiden recipients of the Sayang Seribu influenza vaccination programme initiated by the Council of Federal Datuks of Malaysia (MDPM) to provide free flu vaccines to underprivileged and vulnerable groups.
Despite his anxiety, Omar said he mustered his courage when getting the jab yesterday, just as his fellow orphans from the home did.
“It felt like a bite from an ant. A very big ant. The injection wasn’t as painful as I thought, and I felt on top of the world after receiving it,” he said, grinning from ear to ear.
The home’s head boy, Khairul Hidayat, 17, expressed his gratitude for the initiative, saying that the vaccination provided them much needed protection against influenza.
“On behalf of the residents here, we are extremely thankful that people care about us and have come forward to ensure our wellbeing.
“As I will also be leaving the home upon completing the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination later this year, getting the jab gives me peace of mind,” he said.
Another resident, Nur Aqilah, 15, said although she was not afraid to get the jab, several of the younger girls there were slightly apprehensive.
“After noticing how some of our sisters were frightened, we seniors took the time to assure them that everything was going to be fine,” said Nur Aqilah, who got her jab yesterday as well.
Rumah Kasih Harmoni principal Jamaluddin Wahab, 43, said he was grateful that the home was selected as a recipient to kick off MDPM’s free influenza jab programme.
“Many have fallen sick of late, with several of our children also needing to be warded due to various health issues.
“This initiative to vaccinate the children here will definitely create a better layer of protection for them,” he said.
He added that the children were more relaxed about being jabbed after they were briefed on it.
“Their positive experience in receiving the Covid-19 vaccine previously also (helped),” he said.
Also present at the event was the Health Ministry’s Family Health Development Division director Datuk Dr Mohamed Sapian Mohamed, Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi, MDPM president Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz, and PrimaNora Medical Centre founder and Sayang Seribu chairman Datuk Dr Nor Ashikin Mokhtar.
Dr Mohamed Sapian launched the programme on behalf of Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
The Health DG commended the effort, saying it offered vulnerable groups protection.
“Malaysia is in the midst of a unique influenza season that is taking place during a global pandemic, thus also placing additional strain on the healthcare system.
“The rising cases in the community also indicate the flu has made a comeback and has a real potential to spread.
“This is especially concerning in the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes and heart disease who will experience increased morbidity and mortality with influenza infections,” Dr Noor Hisham said in his speech read by Dr Mohamed Sapian.
The Sayang Seribu programme was organised by MDPM in cooperation with Hospital Al-Sultan Abdullah, Universiti Teknologi Mara and PrimaNora Medical Centre with the aim of providing free flu vaccinations to 1,000 underprivileged and vulnerable children, women and elderly nationwide this year.
