The AstraZeneca vaccination opt-in programme was first introduced on May 2nd 2021 with 268,000 full doses available. In its initial launch, the vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca was offered to Malaysians and residents living in KL and Selangor only, due to the rising cases in the two states. Considering public concerns of the vaccine and as a means to avoid the vaccines going to waste, the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) opened a separate registration for volunteers on a “first come, first served” basis to those aged 18 and above.
If you were able to book your slot for the voluntary programme and have received your appointment confirmation via your MySejahtera app, text message or call, here is everything you need to know before your vaccination appointment:
Vaccine Administration Centres (VACs)
The vaccination administration centres (VACs) or PPVs designated for the AstraZeneca vaccination are as below:
- University of Malaya, Jln Profesor Diraja Ungku Aziz, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (The National University of Malaysia), 43600 UKM, 43600 Bangi, Selangor
- World Trade Centre KL, 41, Jalan Tun Ismail, Chow Kit, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
- Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC), Corporate Tower, Level 5, Jalan Pahat L 15/L, Section 15, 40200 Shah Alam, Selangor
University of Malaya:
The vaccination location for this venue is at Dewan 1, Bangunan Peperiksaan in the University of Malaya. Arriving at the main entrance, there will be several signs around the campus to guide you to the designated building. If you are travelling by car, arrive 30 minutes before the vaccination to allow extra time to park.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia:
If you have chosen UKM Bangi as your vaccination administration centre (VAC), make your way to Dewan Gemilang within the university campus. Similarly to the University of Malaya, several signs will guide you to the designated hall. To ensure the vaccination journey goes smoothly, arrive ahead of time to find a parking space and consider the walk required at each venue.
World Trade Centre KL:
Located in the centre of KL, volunteers have several parking options available for this VAC. The vaccination location is within the World Trade Centre itself and parking spaces are available inside. Alternatively, you may also park at Sunway Putra Mall adjacent to the vaccination location or Seri Pacific Hotel, located next to the World Trade Centre KL.
Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC):
Starting from May 24th 2021, the Ideal Convention Centre in Shah Alam will be opened as another vaccination administration centre (VAC) for AstraZeneca in Selangor. Volunteers may park within the building and make their way to their appointment by following the COVID-19 vaccination signs at the venue.
Vaccination Appointment Journey
Arriving at the entrance or first checkpoint
Upon arriving at the VAC, the two most important things required for the appointment are your MyKad and mobile phone for the MySejahtera app. If required, do bring along any medical documents you have for the consultation session later on the vaccination journey. Once at the designated entrance, volunteers will be required to provide proof of their vaccination appointment. The staff present will verify the vaccination details on the MySejahtera app to ensure that you have arrived at the correct date and time. Once completed, you will be screened for your temperature and may proceed to the next station. As usual, individuals will also be required to scan the MySejahtera QR code at the venue.
The distance between the entrance and the vaccination station may vary depending on the venue selected. If you or a loved one has difficulty walking, consider travelling with a walking aid or a wheelchair.
Alternatively, if you are unable to accompany your loved ones or require assistance getting to and from the vaccination site, consider a vaccination escort for the trip.
Depending on the time of the appointment and how busy the venue is, there may be a slight waiting time for the next station. If necessary, the staff will require volunteers to wait at a station before proceeding to the next. Each station has ample space to allow for all parties to wait while practising social distancing.
Verification Station and Consent Form
At the next station, each volunteer will be verified with the following information:
- I/C Number
- Phone number
- Job Title
- Any other relevant background information
Two consent forms will be provided by the staff for you to fill out before your vaccination. One form should be given to the administering health professional at the vaccination station and the other form must remain on your person until the observation period.
Consultation Station
Once your appointment and identification have been verified, volunteers will proceed to the consultation station to discuss with a doctor and/or medical staff. At this station, each volunteer will have the opportunity to ask questions regarding the vaccination process and any medical questions that may be relevant before receiving the vaccination. Each counter is equipped with a booklet for volunteers to read more on the vaccine they are receiving and any side effects that may occur after the vaccination.
Vaccination Station
Once the doctor or medical staff at the consultation station confirms the vaccination may proceed, each volunteer will move along to the vaccination station. At this checkpoint, you will be met with the healthcare professional who will be administering the vaccine. You are required to provide the consent form at this point and the healthcare professional will then proceed with your AstraZeneca vaccination. For easy access to your upper arm, wear baggy clothing, t-shirts with easy-to-roll-up sleeves or buttoned shirts. You will also be given the option of which arm you would like to receive the vaccine. Muslim women can also request a ‘women-only vaccination counter to protect their aurat. Once the vaccine has been administered, you will move to the final stage of the vaccination journey.
Observation Station
At the final stage of your appointment, you will be required to go through a 30-minute observation period. You will be required to provide the second copy of the consent form to the staff present at this station. This observation will be conducted on-site where each volunteer will be looked at for any sign of adverse reactions. After 30 minutes, the consent form you provided will be returned to you along with your new vaccination card. A staff member will also assist you with the steps needed to verify your vaccination on the MySejahtera app. Depending on the date of your appointment, the staff will also advise on the estimated date of your next vaccination appointment.
After Your Vaccination
After receiving your vaccination, you may notice a slight pain or discomfort on the injection site. More side effects may appear within 12 to 48 hours of receiving the vaccine and is a natural part of the vaccination process. Common side effects are:
- pain, swelling, tenderness, redness or itching at the injection site
- tiredness
- headache
- muscle pain
- nausea
- fever and chills
- feeling unwell
- joint pain.
You may also experience less common side effects such as:
- enlarged lymph nodes
- pain in limb
- dizziness
- decreased appetite
- stomach pain
- vomiting
However, if you are experiencing prolonged pain or side effects, do seek immediate medical attention at a nearby hospital or clinic.
For more information regarding the COVID-19 vaccines available in Malaysia and their side effects, visit our full article here.
AstraZeneca Voluntary Programme: For Senior Citizens
At 12 pm on May 23rd 2021, the COVID-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) launched the second phase of the AstraZeneca voluntary programme which invites residents in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Johor, Kuching and Miri who are 60 years old and above to register for vaccination at the official JKJAV website.
Simply visit www.vaksincovid.gov.my and click on ‘Book Now’ to make an appointment. You may also register on behalf of your senior loved ones by following the steps below.
A Better and Healthier Malaysia
While Homage acknowledges the public’s concern over vaccination, each vaccine available in Malaysia has been assessed by the Ministry of Health (MoH) for its safety and efficacy. Safety has remained a top priority of the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) and there are many benefits to getting vaccinated against the virus.
With the rollout of the new phases of the AstraZeneca voluntary programme and the ongoing immunisation plan, we can continue our efforts to curb and end the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia.
[References]
- Azham, I. (2016) Dewan Gemilang. Available at: http://iryaniazham96.blogspot.com/2016/12/bangunan-bangunan-di-sekitar-universiti_72.html.
- homestaybyka.com (2015) IDCC Shah Alam. Available at: https://homestaybyka.com/ideal-convention-centre-shah-alam-idcc/.
- JKJAV (2021) “COVID-19.” Available at: https://www.vaksincovid.gov.my/en/materials/.
- MyRapid (2017) WTC KL. Available at: https://www.myrapid.com.my/traveling-with-us/explore-the-city/shopping-mall/pwtc-lrt-station-a-modern-and-convenient-stop.
- @n4vin (2021) Bangunan Peperiksaan. Available at: https://twitter.com/n4vin/status/1389501275302105089.
