THE Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged civil servants who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 to do so immediately for their own benefit and the common good.

Its president, Dr Koh Kar Chai, said while it is unfortunate that the Public Service Department has resorted to making the vaccination mandatory, it is understandable as the number of unvaccinated civil servants is alarmingly high.

“Many parents have also expressed concern over their children’s safety when school reopens. Therefore, unvaccinated teachers who are eligible for the vaccine should take the responsible step of ensuring they are fully vaccinated,” he said in a statement today.

Koh assured that there is sufficient evidence that the vaccines do work and are safe and the side effects are mostly mild.

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

He pointed out that although fully vaccinated people can still be infected, the symptoms are mild, and in most cases, will not require hospitalisation.

“There is no doubt that viruses will mutate and we may see new variants in the future. But for now, it is important that we use all available tools to protect ourselves and each other against Covid-19,” he said.

Koh cited the typhoid vaccinations, which are mandatory for all food handlers in the country, adding that without the typhoid jabs, restaurant operators will not be given their licences to operate.

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

Koh said the benefits of getting vaccinated can clearly be seen now with severe Covid-19 cases on the downward trend and more sectors gradually opening up.

“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,” he said.

The latest vaccination statistics show that Malaysia has fully vaccinated 20.82 million people, or 63.8% of the general population against Covid-19.

This meant that 88.4% adults have received the full course and 94.5%, one dose. It was also reported that 73.8% of the general population have received at least one vaccine shot. – October 6, 2021.