Covid-19 survivor ensures family vaccinated

 By Olivia Miwil - February 9, 2022 @ 11:52am

Lee Su Vui, 55 and his wife Marthina Harum who received her booster shot and 11-year-old son Justin, who also received his vaccination at Sabah Women and Children's hospital. -NSTP/Olivia Miwil

KOTA KINABALU: After battling stage three of Covid-19 infection about two years ago, there were no doubts for Lee Su Vui when it came to inoculating his children.

The 55-year-old father of three, said as his wife Marthina Harum was taking her Covid-19 booster vaccine at the Sabah Women and Children's hospital here, they also brought their youngest son Justin, 11, for his immunisation.

"My wife, children and I were infected with Covid-19 before the vaccination was rolled out, and at that time I was the one with the most severe complications.

"As the Covid-19 situation is worsening, it is better to get protection than get infected by the virus," said Lee, who works as an e-hailing driver, adding that their older children, aged 17 and 13 have been vaccinated.

Yesterday, Sabah recorded 2,069 Covid-19 cases, which is double the figure from previous days. The state also has almost 20 education clusters.

The family was met during Sabah Community Development and People's Wellbeing minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya's visit to the hospital for the Covid-19 national immunisation programme for children aged between 5 and 11 (PICKids) .

Shahelmey added the premises were among five specialist hospitals in Sabah that have been operating PICKids since Feb 3.

To date, there are 251 vaccination centres including government and private facilities for the programme.

Shahelmey, who is also state Health Exco and state Immunisation programme director added that the Education department had also approached the state Health Department to have vaccination drives at schools.

"We are hoping that the number (of vaccinated kids) will increase, so parents will be more aware of the health and safety of their children.

"I would like to urge parents to register their children for vaccination via Mysejahtera or come as a walk-in," he said, adding that parents can also take the opportunity to get their booster jabs.

Present were hospital director Dr Marcus Netto and deputy director Dr Christine Lu.