SIBU, June 23: The word “reject” is not in the dictionary of teachers when it comes to getting Covid-19 vaccinations, according to Sarawak Teachers’ Union, Sibu chapter chairman Yong Sie Hing.
He said as far as he knows, almost all teachers here are in favour of being jabbed, and that in fact, a number of them are still waiting for their vaccination appointment.
In the school where he teaches, 40 per cent of the teachers are still waiting for their turn, he revealed. They are mostly those aged 38 and below as others comprising the elderly as well as those who have comorbidities had received the vaccination already.
Yong made these remarks in response to a statement by Sibu Division Disaster Management Committee coordinator Dr Annuar Rapaee during a Facebook live session on June 19 where the latter revealed that 150 teachers here had rejected the vaccine.
“Teachers who have either received their vaccination appointment or have yet to register for the vaccine, but did not turn up, have their own reasons for doing that. It could be that the female teachers are in pregnancy, on confinement or breast feeding. Some of them might have allergies. So you see, they have good reasons for not accepting the vaccine,” Yong pointed out.
He believed that those who declined the vaccine due to the above reasons will accept the vaccine when they are ready.
“Those who decline the vaccine due to health reasons are advised to state their reason to the education department for it to be able to take suitable action,” said Yong.
He said as the teachers are willing to receive Covid-19 vaccines, it is no longer an issue. — DayakDaily
