Ready and willing: (from left to right) Abdul Razak, Tam and Sigar have expressed their individual concerns and sense of ease over anticipated booster shots.

       JOHOR BARU: A taxi driver here who is in line for his Covid-19 vaccination booster shot – following the government’s announcement that those above 40 years of age are now eligible – is looking forward to getting his appointment.

       Abdul Razak Abd Rahman, 58, said that the booster shot was important for him as he was exposed to more people now that the economic sector has reopened.

       “Although I am still not getting as many customers as I used to before the pandemic, there is still an increase in the number of people I meet daily.

       “I would feel more at ease when I get the booster shot as I feel that I would then have better protection.

       “I know of some people who have contracted Covid-19, including those who had to be intubated.

       “The thought of getting a serious hit from the disease is terrifying and I hope to get the booster shot soon to avoid any complications if I do get infected,” he said.

       Businessman Eric Tam, 57 said he is looking forward to an update from MySejahtera for an appointment for the booster shot.

       “I am waiting every day for the notification.

       “So far, none of my friends who are 40 and above have gotten any news about it. Only my mother-in-law, who is in her 80s, has gotten the shot.

       “I hope to get the shot soon as I meet a lot of people daily. On top of that, I also have high blood pressure and I am afraid that the impact of Covid-19 would be more severe if I get the disease,” he said.

       Trader Collen Sigar, 51, hopes those who have gotten their notification for the booster shots keep their appointments.

       “I was surprised that there are people who do not keep to the appointments as I thought many would be waiting eagerly.

       “I am still waiting to get my shot and I hope to get it by the middle of next month as I plan to visit my family in Sabah for Christmas. I would feel more at ease going there once I have gotten the booster shot.

       “I also hope that others around me will also get the booster soon,” she said.

       On Wednesday (Nov 10), Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said that the government has started giving out booster shots to those aged 40 years old and older under the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.

       He said the booster shots will first be given to eligible Malaysians who are above 40 years old and those who have comorbidities.

       Khairy noted around 40% of the recipients slated for vaccine booster appointments under the Immunisation Programme were not showing up for the jab.

       “If the booster take-up (rate) is low, especially among the elderly and those with comorbidities, hospitalisation numbers will go up. This is for sure,” he said.