Lessons from the Malaysian AstraZeneca Voluntary Opt-in Program

On May 2nd, 2021, about 268,000 AZ vaccine slots that were made available online were filled up in about three hours. This led to a lot of excitement as people residing in KL and Selangor started receiving their appointments for the vaccination. Starting from this month until September, more than 2 million AstraZeneca vaccines will arrive and be made available for opt-in. The Government has also taken into consideration those people without the internet to be equipped for opt-ins.   

Although there is growing speculation about the side effects of the AZ vaccine, this is the time where people have started weighing the benefits and risks. And we’ve collectively realized that this is a good decision and a pathway in reaching herd immunity. Since last year, we all knew that vaccines are the only way to reclaim normalcy and re-establish our pre-covid life. And here we are, faced with an opportunity at a normal life. I hope you’ve made the right decision as well. With this, I would like to briefly highlight 3 takeaway lessons from the Malaysian AZ voluntary opt-in and how this program marks the beginning of normal life in Malaysia. It’s a conversation worth having, especially now.

1. Vaccine online registrations got exhausted in 3 hours!

When the registrations first opened, it almost felt like chaos. How and what to do! Although I got my registration done, there were lots of people who were left feeling disappointed even after multiple refreshes. The amount of urgency and eagerness for people to register for the vaccine proves the fact that we as a population are more than desperate to protect ourselves and the people around us. You may already know, vaccination is not just an individual choice but a social responsibility. This was clearly proven through people’s enthusiasm during the vaccine opt-in.

2. Efficient and smooth operation - people felt comfortable

That’s right. Even though my appointment is in the coming week, I’ve heard from multiple volunteers that their vaccination experience was very smooth. From the friendly vaccinators to the welcoming staff members, and well-maintained premises plus clear cut instructions at each step — everything was taken care of smoothly. The volunteers who got vaccinated left the building feeling comfortable and “healed”. Some of them shared their experience on social media marking the monumental moment of fighting the Covid-19 virus together like warriors! This not only adds to the whole experience but also instills confidence in people who haven’t registered yet or those who are skeptical to get themselves vaccinated. When you get vaccinated, be sure to share your experience with everyone! Spread the positivity (of the vaccine)!

3. Reclaiming normalcy - moving towards pre-covid life

By accelerating the vaccination drive in Malaysia, we have started our journey towards normalcy. Although now on one side Covid-19 cases are dramatically increasing again, on the other side, we see a whole other movement of immunity being strengthened via vaccination. Yes, vaccines don't give 100% protection against the virus but imagine if most of the population gets vaccinated while following the SOP. Herd immunity becomes inevitable. We have to start somewhere, and this is that starting line. 

Have you registered for the AZ vaccine, already got vaccinated, or are waiting for the next batch? Let me know in the comments. Together we shall fight this, and come out the other side as winners!!