JOHOR BARU: Most people with disabilities (OKU) are willing to receive Covid-19 vaccines as they realise its importance in the fight against the virus, says Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi (pic).

       However, the OKU Sentral president said it was their parents or guardians that had reservations about the vaccines.

       "Although we do not have the statistics on how many OKU have been vaccinated, the general feedback is that they are not opposed to it.

       "The OKU are used to getting medical attention – including receiving injections – so they are usually calm throughout the process with the exception of those suffering from autism and mental disabilities.

       "Vaccination centres (PPV) have medical staff on site to consult so parents or caretakers should not worry and register the OKU for the vaccine to keep protect them," she said at the OKU Sentral drive-through PPV located at the Johor Baru City Council Aquatic Centre in Larkin here on Wednesday (Aug 25).

       At present, she said the country has about 600,000 OKU registered with the Welfare Department and there are many more who are unregistered.

       "According to the World Health Organisation, about 15% of a country's population are OKU and based on that, Malaysia should have 4.1 million disabled individuals.

       Meanwhile, Johor Baru mayor Datuk Noorazam Osman said the drive-through PPV, dedicated for OKU and senior citizens, could vaccinate up to 400 individuals a day.

       "It is the largest drive-through PPV in the country and is expected to vaccinate about 20,000 OKU and seniors in the span of two months.

       "There are also 60 volunteers to assist the vaccine recipients, including manning traffic and standing by with wheelchairs for those who arrive via public transportation," he said.