BY James Kon

The Indoor Stadium Vaccination Centre has ceased operations after having administered hundreds of thousands of shots for the National Covid-19 Vaccination Programme.

In its final day of operation on Thursday, over 1,000 individuals received their coronavirus vaccines.

Lead coordinator for Indoor Stadium Vaccination Centre Haji Zaenul ‘Arifien bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Rosli said there was an influx of people seeking shots since the announcement of the closure of the vaccination centre.

He thanked the public for their support and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) for choosing the Indoor Stadium as a venue for inoculation.

Haji Zaenul ‘Arifien also conveyed his appreciation for Ministry of Health (MoH) officers and staff as well as personnel from other government agencies, including the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF).

He urged the public to follow MoH’s recommendation for people in high-risk categories and frontliners to get a second booster. Haji Zaenul ‘Arifien also advised those that have yet to get the first booster shot to do so.

Rozaime bin Haji Md Yusof, who just received his second booster shot, said, “I want to protect myself and my family, so it was my responsibility to take the shot, especially with the current spike in new cases.”

He also shared that his six children have been boosted against the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, Nazura binti Abdullah said, “I enjoy travelling, so I feel that taking a second booster shot will provide me with more protection against COVID-19 when I’m holidaying overseas.

“For the sake of health and prevention, it is best to get the booster shot, especially with the current increase in cases.”

While the centre has closed its door, the National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme will continue to take place at several health centres in Brunei-Muara District starting on July 2.

Berakas Health Centre in Kampong Lambak Kanan from Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 8am to 11.30am and from 1.45pm to 4pm. Additional operating hours are every Friday and Sunday from 2pm to 8pm. The centre will be closed on public holidays.

From July 4 onwards, vaccinations will be available at the Pengkalan Batu Health Centre and Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Health Centre in Kampong Sungai Asam. The centres run from Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 8am to 11.30am and from 1.45pm to 4pm.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin