PETALING JAYA: As the reopening of schools draws nearer, many teenagers and their parents are relieved that the national vaccination programme will be expedited to cover those in the 12-to-17 age group.

       Form Four student Wan Nur Farah Aleya Natasha Mohamad Jamil, 16, from Lenggong, Perak, said she was happy to know that students would be vaccinated.

       “Parents will not have to worry about their children having to go to school without protection.

       “With students getting vaccinated, going back to school will be safer.

       “Students have been missing out academically due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Wan Nur Farah, adding that her family members had all been inoculated.

       A housewife who only wanted to be known as Lim, 46, was also happy with the government’s decision.

       Lim said she was initially worried about the side effects of the vaccine on her children, who are aged below 18.

       “It looks like there is no other way to protect them as the pandemic is getting worse.

       “I also hope schools will not reopen so soon as the children are not fully protected yet.

       “Let them get vaccinated first before going back to school,” said the mother of three.

       The coordinator of a shelter for special needs individuals welcomed the announcement.

       Pusat Jagaan Warga Istimewa Kempas coordinator Saraswathi Letchumanan said she supported the vaccination programme for schoolchildren.

       “Of the 43 people at the home, including volunteers and patients, only three children are not vaccinated yet as they are aged below 18.

       “I am so happy as I think it will reassure both students and their parents,” Saraswathi said, adding that the three children had been registered for the vaccination on the MySejahtera app by their parents.

       Another children’s home operator also lauded the government’s announcement to vaccinate adolescents.

       Perak’s Anning Home director Loke Wai Loon said: “It is a good idea to get the kids vaccinated as the daily Covid-19 cases are still high.

       “Despite having online learning as an alternative to going to school, it is insufficient as children are not getting a full education experience due to various challenges, including technical,” he said.

       Loke also urged the government to be careful about reopening schools.

       “We should not rush to reopen. Let’s wait until the case numbers are lower or until we achieve herd immunity,” Loke added.

       The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended vaccination for adolescents aged 12 and above, saying that the Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective for that age group.