KUALA LUMPUR: Many expectant mothers jumped at the chance to protect themselves and their unborn children against Covid-19, turning up at a vaccination centre here to queue patiently for their jabs.

       Young mother Mimi Khamiza Zainudin even tried to vie for a spot during the voluntary opt-in for the AstraZeneca vaccine last month.

       “I felt disappointed when I failed to get a slot,” said the 28-year-old.

       One for the album: (From left) Expectant mothers Margi Shah, Sabrina W. and Siti Norhafizah posing at the photo wall area at Mitec after getting their jabs. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

       Luckily for Mimi Khamiza, she managed to secure an appointment for her vaccination via the MySejahtera app.

       She was one of the many pregnant mothers who were at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) to get vaccinated yesterday.

       Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are among the priority groups to receive the Covid-19 vaccine based on the risk of being infected by the virus.

       “I eventually managed to get my vaccine and I feel safer for myself and my child,” said Mimi Khamiza, who never had any doubt about the vaccine.

       Not long now: A pregnant woman waiting for her turn to receive the Covid-19 vaccine at Mitec.

       Before getting her shot, she would check the MySejahtera app daily on her handphone.

       “I was so relieved to get my appointment. I feel more secure about going for my regular check-ups at the hospital now.

       “I will patiently wait for my second dose and hope that I will get it soon,” she said.

       Mimi: Feels safer going for hospital check-ups after being inoculated.

       Another relieved mother, N. Kishantini, was happy to get her jab despite having entertained some doubts about the vaccine earlier.

       At 31 weeks pregnant, the 27-year-old admitted that she had initially been swayed by rumours about how some vaccines might be unsafe for pregnant women.

       However, the daily number of Covid-19 cases changed her mind.

       Kishantini: Cast aside her vaccination doubts to protect her unborn child.

       “I told myself that I shouldn’t believe these rumours and even managed to convince my parents to get their vaccine,” she said.

       For Kishantini, the vaccination process at Mitec was smooth and took only 15 minutes.

       Rachel Ong, whose due date is in two weeks, was glad that she was still allowed to get her vaccination despite the late stage of her pregnancy.

       Ong: Did her own research before getting vaccinated at 34 weeks pregnant.

       “I was a little worried about getting vaccinated at this stage because they mainly encourage women who are less than 34 weeks pregnant.

       “My doctor reassured me that it should not be a problem as long as I was fit, and I was relieved to hear the doctor at the centre here confirming it,” she said.

       Ong, 34, also did her own research prior to getting vaccinated.

       Her doctor had also advised her to take the shot so that she could be better assured of protection against Covid-19.