KUCHING: Covid-19 vaccination for school students in Sarawak got off to a smooth start on Wednesday (Sept 8), with those aged 16 and 17 years the first to get the jabs.

       At the Telaga Air health clinic here, SMK Seri Matang students and their parents began arriving as early as 7am for the inoculation programme.

       Dr Nurdarlina Shaari, the health officer in charge, said 375 students were expected to receive their jabs at the clinic on Wednesday (Sept 8).

       "We are vaccinating 16- and 17-year-old students from SMK Seri Matang, as well as 12- to 15-year-old students who are considered high risk.

       "We started at 8.30am, with the students coming according to their classes to prevent crowds and ensure compliance with the SOP," she said.

       Dr Nurdarlina said another 249 students from SMK Agama Matang were scheduled to get vaccinated on Friday (Sept 10).

       "We worked with the schools and Education Department to arrange the appointments," she said, adding that parents had to accompany their children to give consent for their vaccination.

       Nur Syakinah Masri, who was the first person to receive the vaccine at the clinic, said she felt nervous at first but was happy to be vaccinated.

       "I feel safer after getting the jab. My teachers talked about the importance of getting the vaccine in our online classes," the 16-year-old said.

       Her father Masri Sakichan said he did not hesitate to give his consent for Nur Syaqinah to get vaccinated.

       "I explained to her that it's for her protection and benefit to get the vaccine.

       "Now I feel it is safe for her to go back to school," he said.

       Masri said they came to the clinic at 7am to avoid any crowds.

       "We did not expect that she would be the first person to get vaccinated," he said, adding that the process went smoothly.