Finally! Vaccine for kids aged 5-12 years old is now available here in Malaysia. 🥳

 

In late January, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said that parents can book appointment slots via the MySejahtera contact tracing app and that they were to begin the programme February 3rd onwards.

 

Ever since the rumours about vaccine for kids last year, I registered my son, Eidrix who is 6 this year in the MySejahtera app as a dependent, hoping to be among the first to get vaccinated. Well, silly me for not checking the vaccination tab often – I only realised that I need to answer some questions after a friend had mentioned that she had already gotten an appointment date for her child (so, don’t be like me – check the vaccination tab often okay? 😅).

 

The moment we got a date, I mentioned it to Eidrix and his respond was “Cool! Means I will get a shield to protect me?” Amboi! Pandai pulak this boy. In a way I guess he was right, the vaccine does provide a shield of protection against Covid-19. So I responded enthusiastically “You’re right! You’ll have a big shield to protect you from the virus!” The smile he had on his face was priceless!🤣 Unlike some children who feared the idea, Eidrix was super excited, he asked me every few days if it was vaccination day already.

 

It’s Vaccination Day!

On the day of his vaccination appointment, I woke him up with a chirpy “It’s vaccination day!!” which resulted in him immediately waking up from bed and doing a quirky dance. He decided to bring a sword (his favourite toy at the time) to accompany him, which I’m totally fine with. If a kid needs a comfort toy with them why not right?

 

The process at the Vaccination Centre (PPV) we went to in Subang Parade was smooth sailing. Similar to adults you’ll have to scan in your MySejahtera and fill up the ‘Borang Persetujuan Suntikan Vaksin Covid-19’ and speak to a doctor prior to getting the jab.

 

 

The vaccination centre was decorated with balloons and the volunteers at each station were chirpy and friendly, which made the kids feel welcomed.

 

When it came to Eidrix’s turn, he mentioned he was a bit nervous, but the doctor that administrated the vaccine let him choose which colour plaster he wanted, so that got him a little excited. Luckily, there was no crying or protest and it all went rather smoothly.

 

“So now I got a shield to protect me mummy?” That was the first thing he said after we moved over to the observation zone. He seemed happy and said it hurt a tiny wee bit but he’s a strong superhero!

 

 

The After Effect

The next morning, Eidrix had a slight fever (probably from being so active right after vaccine). We decided to keep him home from school so he could rest. The fever was not too bad, he was still active, eating normally only slightly more lemau than usual, so we gave him some vitamin C and got him to drink more water.

 

The day after he was running around as his usual self.. Phew!

 

Doctor mentioned that the second dose will be in 2 month.. So we’re looking forward to him being fully vaccinated.

 

What Other Mums (& Dad) Have To Say

When I told Raynor about his vaccination appointment, at first he said that he’s scared and wanted to bring his bantal busuk along. I’m surprised that he did not hesitate to go when the time came on vaccination day at Da Men Mall, Subang. Daddy passed him the phone for him to play games, so he just selamba sat there for the jab. I guess distraction works rather than letting him look at the needle approaching. Overall, the process was fast and smooth, though there were no clowns, balloons and candies at this PPV centre.

 

Later, I asked him if it’s painful… he shrugged and said it felt like a pinch. He complained about soreness around his injection site that evening, so I kept him at home for a day to continue monitoring. The medical staff at the PPV centre emphasized no exercise for a week, so he went to school the following day but skipped his gym and taekwondo lessons for the week.

– Mummy Teresa Chin

 

Our trip to get the girls vaccinated on the third day of Chinese New Year ended with a pleasant surprise as we bump into KJ and his team visiting on the first day of PICKids.

 

My eldest even got the chance of her lifetime to get up close and personal with KJ only to realise how lucky she was much later! 😊

– Mummy Faye Tan

 

We had the vaccination at PPV Offsite Rumah Prihatin@Grand Season KL (George Clinic). The doctor and crew are so friendly and helpful. They offered sweets to help calm my son. They even cheer and clap after my son took the jab.

 

In fact, I was more nervous and worried than my son. He was calm and quietly queueing for jab. After the jab, he just said a little bit painful but it’s bearable. So far, my son is quite active and no signs of fatigue or discomfort.

– Daddy Wayne Poon

 

We went to the Axiata Arena PPV Center and the process was fast and efficient. Isabelle was a bit anxious but the Doctor and the volunteers there were very friendly and helpful. The Doctor was explaining to Isabelle the reason why we all need to get vaccinated and the symptoms that she might have after her 1st dose. Doctor asked her not to worry because after her vaccination, she will be stronger and well protected against the virus.

 

And right after the jab, the Doctor rewarded her a Lollipop for being a brave girl. She did not have any symptoms after her first dose and is now looking forward to her 2nd dose.

– Mummy Lisa Lim

 

We went to the PPV centre at Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil. Overall, it was a good and smooth experience. The staffs were helpful and explained in detail when asking questions concerning the side effects of the covid vaccines for kids. My kids were all feeling anxious and scared of the idea of injection. But with encouragement from the friendly staffs and doctor, as well as the use of the mobile phone to distract them, we passed through the crucial points smoothly.

 

My kids were quite surprised that the injection was done within a few seconds and not much pain felt. So far, they only felt arm sore after injection a few hours later. Apart from that, no other side effects and appear energetic as usual. The kids were advised not to do any exercise for a week and monitor if they feel any heart palpitations.

 

The kids were given balloons and Oreo biscuits, so generally they’re happy with the experience. But when asked to come for next injection, they answered ‘nooooo’. But I guess the 2nd dose would be less hassle for us parents. 😄

– Mummy Devon Chew

 

Tzer Ee was very steady throughout. At the final waiting station, the boy before him cried and screamed, making Tzer Ee nervous. When it was finally his turn, he asked the nurse if it’s painful. The nurse said: “No, just like an ant bite”. Even though he was scared, he managed to get vaccinated without much fuss. The whole process was at PPV Subang Parade. It was fast and smooth with helpful volunteers and nurses. Until next day there is no side effect appear on him.

– Mummy Yuan Shi, Chung (Liz)

 

My girl had her vaccination at Axiata Bukit Jalil, which was surprisingly not crowded and well organised. Though my girl was a bit nervous but she’s very calm. Although she experienced a mild pain at the jab area, overall she’s very happy that she did hers and was very proud to share video and voice message with her BFF. No major side effects reported, just felt a little tired… otherwise all ok.

– Mummy Nico Aw

 

The kids are vaxxed at Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil PPV and the overall experience is good. Organized flow, friendly and helpful staff. They even gave out balloons and lollipops to the kids. Kudos to the organiser for Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil PPV!

– Mummy Xynia Lau

 

At first, it was definitely a mixed feeling. It was relief with some hesitance. During the process of vaccination, Zillion was very cooperative and brave. The whole process went out so smooth and fast. The PPV centre unexpectedly is not crowded & there were free balloons and snacks given to those vaccinated children. All the volunteers were very friendly and helpful too. I’m definitely feeling more at peace now after my child getting vaccinated 😊

– Mummy Angela Siow

 

I signed up both my daughters for their vaccination at the SJK (C) Choong Wen, Old Klang Road where my eldest daughter is studying at. The PPV centre turned the school hall into vaccination centre for the children and the process was well organised, smooth and fast. My youngest daughter, Lisha who is 5+ years old was very afraid at first but after seeing other children around, she became calmer. The nurses were friendly and patient. They even rewarded my daughters with a snack of their choice after the vaccination. Both girls felt normal and carried on with their day at home, reading storybooks, watching TV and playing together at home. The next day, both girls went back to school as per normal.

– Mummy Angeline Lim