16.06.2021

The “ASK4VACCINE” programme enables Malaysian parents to give their children the protection against pneumococcal pneumonia via a 12-month interest-free instalment payment plan

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – 16 June 2021 – DoctorOnCall, Pfizer and UOB Malaysia today jointly launched “ASK4VACCINE”, a financing programme that aims to improve children’s access to pneumococcal vaccine in Malaysia. The “ASK4VACCINE” programme enables Malaysian parents to give their children the protection against pneumococcal pneumonia via a 12-month interest-free instalment payment plan.

Globally, pneumonia kills more children than any other infectious disease, claiming the lives of over 800,000 children under five every year, or around 2,200 every day . In Malaysia, pneumonia is one of the top five causes of childhood death . Streptococcus pneumoniae, also called pneumococcal bacteria, is one of the most common causes of bacterial pneumonia . The good news is pneumococcal disease can be prevented with vaccination⁴ .

“At Pfizer, we believe no child should suffer from a vaccine-preventable disease. For over a century , our vaccines have helped to protect many people against life-threatening infectious diseases such as pneumococcal pneumonia. Today, we are proud to be partnering with DoctorOnCall and UOB Malaysia to raise awareness and alleviate the financial burden of parents in protecting their children against pneumococcal disease,” said Ms. Luksanawan Thangpaibool, Country Manager, Pfizer Malaysia & Brunei. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the livelihood of many Malaysians across the country . Recognising that some may face challenges during this time, the “ASK4VACCINE” programme, which is exclusive to UOB Malaysia credit card holders, aims to provide payment flexibility through its 12-month interest-free instalment payment plan. With this, parents may worry less when it comes to ensuring access to quality healthcare for their children and safeguarding them against diseases. Additionally, taxpayers can also claim up to RM1,000 in income tax relief for pneumococcal vaccination for themselves, spouses, and children .

“At UOB Malaysia, we are committed to standing by our customers and offering assistance in times of need. We understand the importance of having access to affordable vaccines which is why we have collaborated with DoctorOnCall and Pfizer to offer the “ASKFORVACCINE” programme. With the 12-month interest-free instalment payment plan offered, we enable our customers to safeguard their children’s health while protecting their finances at the same time. With this plan, our customers are able to manage their money with greater flexibility without having to compromise on their children’s well-being,” said Mr Ronnie Lim, Managing Director and Country Head of Personal Financial Services, UOB Malaysia.

To help members of the public understand more about vaccines and immunisations as well as dispelling some of the common misconceptions surrounding this topic, the information is available on DoctorOnCall’s website containing informational articles and videos as well as free doctor consult initiative. 

“Promoting public health literacy and improving healthcare affordability with a positive patient experience are the cornerstone towards building DoctorOnCall, a sustainable digital healthcare platform for Malaysians. We are delighted to be a part of this tripartite collaboration with Pfizer and UOB Malaysia. Together, we hope to welcome a future where all children are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases such as pneumococcal pneumonia,” said Chiak Tang, Chief Operating Officer, DoctorOnCall.

For more information about the “ASK4VACCINE” programme as well as participating clinics and hospitals, please visit :
https://www.doctoroncall.com.my/find-doctor/vaccination-services/pneumococcal-vaccination/partnerships

DoctorOnCall is Malaysia’s first and leading digital health platform with 2 million Malaysians visiting our website for telehealth consultation, online pharmacy, medication delivery, health content, doctors and specialist booking services. Since its establishment in 2016, DoctorOnCall has established partnerships with top insurers, third-party agencies, hospitals, pharmacies and corporations. These include Prudential, Zurich, Allianz, Great Eastern, Caring Pharmacy, TMC Life Sciences and Columbia Asia Hospitals amongst others. For more information, visit us at https://www.doctoroncall.com.my/

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 170 years , we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.pfizer.com. To learn more, please follow us on Twitter at @Pfizer and @Pfizer_News, LinkedIn, YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer.

United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Bhd (UOB Malaysia) is a subsidiary of Singapore-based United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB) and has had a presence in Malaysia since 1951. UOB Malaysia offers an extensive range of both conventional and Islamic banking services through its branches, subsidiaries and associate companies: corporate and commercial lending, investment banking, treasury services, trade services, cash management, home loans, credit cards, wealth management and bancassurance products.

UOB is a leading bank in Asia with a global network of more than 500 offices in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Since its incorporation in 1935, UOB has grown organically and through a series of strategic acquisitions. UOB is rated among the world’s top banks: Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service and AA- by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings. In Malaysia, UOB Malaysia receives AAA/Stable/P1 financial institution rating from RAM Ratings.  

Over more than eight decades, generations of UOB employees have carried through the entrepreneurial spirit, the focus on long-term value creation and an unwavering commitment to do what is right for our customers and our colleagues.

We believe in being a responsible financial services provider and we are committed to making a difference in the lives of our stakeholders and in the communities in which we operate. Just as we are dedicated to helping our customers manage their finances wisely and to grow their businesses, UOB is steadfast in our support of social development, particularly in the areas of art, children and education. For further information, please visit www.uob.com.my.