KUALA LUMPUR: Expectant mothers heaved a sigh of relief upon learning that they have now been prioritised for Covid-19 vaccination under the nationwide inoculation drive amid growing concern over the virus.
What was even better, they said, was the government's decision to designate the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for pregnant women, allaying concerns over the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.
Nurdiana Abdul Jalil, 28, who is expecting her second child, said she was initially hesitant to get the Covid-19 vaccine, but after consultations with her doctor and medical experts, she decided to register for vaccination.
"I was nervous because this is unlike any other vaccines I have gotten in the past. It is something new and less known. So I did extensive research from reading articles and consulting experts and my doctor on the possible side effects and vaccine efficacy.
"Then I was unsure about the type of vaccine that will be administered as I am aware we are not allowed to choose the vaccine. But I was relieved when we were told pregnant women will be prioritised to receive Pfizer."
Nurdiana, who is 32 weeks pregnant, is among hundreds of expectant mothers who received their jabs under the Covid-19 National Immunisation Programme (NIP) at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) vaccination centre (PPV) here yesterday.
Present was NIP Coordinating Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
He said about 6,000 pregnant women were scheduled to receive the first dose of the vaccine at the MITEC and Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre PPV this weekend.
A total of 109,607 pregnant women nationwide have registered for vaccination through the MySejahtera application up to Friday.
The government's decision to prioritise pregnant women is in line with the National Recovery Plan target to achieve herd immunity as soon as possible.
Nurdiana, a housewife from Cheras, thanked the nurses and staff on duty for helping them throughout the registration process, adding that she was looking forward to her second dose appointment on July 17.
Claire Chiang, 42, from Sri Hartamas, said she saw this as a "golden opportunity" to get vaccinated sooner.
"I registered back in February and updated my pregnancy details in early June on the MySejahtera application, which had this new feature for expectant mothers. My husband and I were overjoyed when we received the appointment on Sunday.
"Initially, we wanted to defer it (the vaccination) to after delivery, but we realised we might not get the chance to get the jab sooner if we forgo this round.
"I was also considering travelling back home to Taiwan after my delivery," said Chiang, who is 32 weeks pregnant.
Margi Shah, 35, who is expecting her first child and is 30 weeks into her pregnancy, said she was amazed by the smooth and quick vaccination process.
"It took us only 15 to 20 minutes. There were many personnel on duty, right from the entrance up to the hall, assisting us throughout the way.
"I consulted my gynaecologist before registering and am glad to be here with other vaccine recipients today (yesterday). It is better to be safe than sorry."