As COVID-19 becomes a part of our everyday lives, it is crucial that we continue to protect ourselves and our communities. This year, the Malaysian Society of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases (MyICID), the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM), the Malaysian Red Crescent Association (MRC), and Diabetes Malaysia (DM), in collaboration with Pfizer Malaysia, are proud to announce the continuation of the MyPELINDUNG campaign.

“Lindungi Malaysia, Sihat Bersama”

This campaign focuses on the importance of staying vigilant, keeping up with vaccinations, and seeking timely medical treatment if you test positive for COVID-19¹,²

The event was attended by Dato Dr. Saunthari Somasundaram, President of NCSM; Dato' Danial Iskandar, Deputy Secretary General of MRC; Dr Shaharudeen Bin Kamaludeen, President of MyICID; Dr. Mohazmi Bin Mohamed, Secretary-General of DM, and Ms Deborah Seifert, Cluster Lead, Pfizer Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia & the Philippines; and other distinguished guests.

"As we continue to adapt to life with COVID-19, it is vital that we remain careful and proactive. Returning to our normal routines doesn’t mean we can forget the lessons we’ve learned. Vaccination, following health guidelines, and getting medical advice quickly are all key to keeping ourselves and our communities safe¹,²." said Dato’ Danial Iskandar, Deputy Secretary General of MRC.

This year’s campaign also features some of Malaysia’s most recognised and beloved personalities, each representing different segments of society to promote health and safety in living with COVID-19. They include:

Atilia Haron and Aishah Sinclair, representing the sandwich generation, emphasise the importance of caring for both their children and elderly parents, Salamiah Hassan and Dida Sinclair. With their parents still being vulnerable to severe outcomes, they stress the need for ongoing vigilance and health measures to protect all generations.

Dato’ Jalaludin Hassan, a distinguished actor, highlights the heightened risks faced by older adults with pre-existing conditions, advocating for extra precautions, timely medical care, and continued vigilance.

Dr Say Shazril, a trusted medical doctor and father of three, focuses on parents committed to safeguarding their children’s health. He advocates for the importance of vaccinations and preventive measures to protect children from COVID-19, recognising that the virus can disrupt their education, social interactions, and overall well-being.

Fasha Sandha, a well-known actress and mother, represents adults who have experienced the direct impact of COVID-19. She shares her personal experience of how the virus disrupted her plans for a family reunion during Raya, illustrating how COVID-19 can suddenly alter life’s most cherished moments and the ongoing need for health precautions.

Douglas Lim represents travellers who must regularly navigate the challenges of work-related travel in a world where COVID-19 is a part of everyday life. He stresses the importance of staying healthy and adhering to safety measures while travelling, to protect both himself and others, ensuring that work and performances can continue smoothly.

These influential figures will help reinforce the message that prioritising health and safety remains crucial as we continue to live with COVID-19, addressing the unique concerns of different segments of society.

Vaccines: Your Shield Against Severe COVID-19

Vaccines continue to be a powerful tool in preventing severe illness, hospitalisation, and death. As the virus remains a part of our daily lives, staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations is important. Vaccines have proven to effectively reduce the risk of severe outcomes, particularly in vulnerable groups such as the elderly, those with underlying health conditions, and even children¹,².

"COVID-19 is here to stay, much like other illnesses that are now part of our daily lives. However, this does not mean we should become complacent. Keeping your COVID-19 vaccinations current is critical in preventing severe illness and reducing the need for hospitalisation, especially among those at higher risk².,” said Dr Shaharudeen Bin Kamaludeen, President of MyICID.

Early Treatment: A Critical Step for High-Risk Groups

For those who are 60 or older and have medical conditions such as diabetes or chronic lung disease, or have other risk factors like being overweight, the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 is higher. It is crucial to take immediate action if you or a loved one in a high-risk category test positive for COVID-19¹,².

Consulting with a healthcare professional as soon as COVID-19 symptoms appear, or a positive test result is received, is essential¹,². Having an action plan in place ensures a prompt response, which can greatly improve the management of the illness and provide peace of mind for families who are concerned about their loved ones.

"Early treatment, even if symptoms are mild, is crucial. This proactive approach not only helps in managing the illness more effectively but also provides reassurance to families who are deeply concerned about their loved ones. In a world where COVID-19 is part of everyday life, recognising the importance of early treatment for high-risk groups is vital to reducing the impact of the disease and safeguarding our most vulnerable populations¹,²,” said Dato Dr Saunthari Somasundaram, President of NCSM.

Echoing this, Dr Mohazmi, Secretary-General of DM, added, "It’s important to remember that COVID-19 treatments are effective when started as soon as possible after diagnosis. If you test positive, treatments are available that can lower the risk of severe illness, including hospitalisation and death. Don’t wait—early treatment must begin within days of the first symptoms to be most effective¹,²."

Take Action Today: Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

The MyPELINDUNG campaign will continue to reach out to Malaysians through digital platforms, including the MyPELINDUNG Facebook page, offering engaging and informative content. There will be live streams with medical experts, patient stories, and discussions with influential personalities, providing valuable insights into living with COVID-19. The campaign will also include community outreach events, bringing essential information and resources directly to the public.

"At Pfizer, we believe in the power of working together to create positive changes. The MyPELINDUNG initiative reflects our continuous commitment to public health. By working closely with our partners, we can ensure that vital healthcare information and resources are accessible to all Malaysians. Together, we can make a real difference as we navigate this ongoing challenge,” said Ms Deborah Seifert, Cluster Lead, Pfizer Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia & the Philippines.

"MyPELINDUNG continues to be an essential platform for educating and engaging the public. We’re committed to clearing up misconceptions, providing accurate information, and helping Malaysians understand how to live safely with COVID-19. This year, our focus is on showing that with the right precautions, we can all thrive in this new normal safely,” added Ms Deborah Seifert.

For more information about the MyPELINDUNG initiative and its efforts to combat COVID-19, please visit https://www.facebook.com/MyPELINDUNG . Together, let's forge a healthier and safer nation for all Malaysians.

References:

¹ Codeblue. Do We Still Need To Worry About Covid-19? – Dr Leong Chee Loon & Dr Muhammad Yazli Yuhana. Last accessed: 27 August 2024. Retrieved from: LINK.

² Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People with Certain Medical Conditions. Last accessed: 25 August 2024. Retrieved from: LINK

³ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines. Last accessed: 25 August 2024. Retrieved from: LINK

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