DRIVE-THROUGH vaccination services for children, have become popular among parents wanting to minimise contact and avoid infection following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Such services, which are deemed low-risk and convenient, are available at several clinics nationwide.

Dr Liu Chui Phin of Medsense Family Clinic told The Malaysian Insight that his clinic has been providing the service since March 30, some two weeks after the movement control order (MCO) began on March 18.

She added that many patients have missed their vaccination appointments following the MCO.

“When the clinic called the parents, they said they didn’t want to go out because of the virus. Then a friend suggested to me to set up a drive-through service and the response has been encouraging.”

The most popular service via the drive-through is vaccination for babies as parents were wary about health risks at hospitals and clinics.

She said parents are informed of the vaccine their children need and appointments are set accordingly.

“The doctor will put on a complete personal protective equipment (PPE) gear and vaccinate the baby just outside the car.

“The entire process is very fast, and it takes less than 10 minutes to complete. If the babies require oral medication, it will take longer.”

She said parents are satisfied with the service, calling it a saving grace that helped alleviate their concerns.

“There are some parents who are still worried about whether we change our gloves and PPE gear. Our doctors have families too, so we are definitely taking the necessary precautions.”

Meanwhile, Klinik Wellcare Desa’s Dr Ng Kean Seng said his clinic has vaccinated more than 100 babies since it launched its drive-through service on March 25.

He said parents have come as far as from Bentong, Pahang to get their children immunised at the clinic that is in Taman Desa Jaya Selangor.

According to his Facebook post, the clinic will provide parents coming to immunise their children with an authorisation letter to get through police roadblocks.

He added that immunisation has to be done within a schedule and cannot be delayed for too long.

Hence, the clinic has decided to launch the drive-through service.

“It is not recommended to delay the vaccination of infants for more than one week.”

Since some babies may develop a fever after vaccination, the clinic’s doctors will teach parents how to care for their child through video calls.

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah had said babies and children must be vaccinated according to schedule despite the MCO.

Delay in immunisation could expose babies to risks of measles, polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

“This could lead to fatal outcomes if not contained.” – May 25, 2020.