High Risk Senior Citizens Can Get Free Flu Vaccination
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The Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia has announced that senior citizens with at least one chronic illness can receive free influenza vaccinations.
In an announcement via MOH’s official Facebook page, the initiative will start on February 18, 2025, and is an expansion as part of the Influenza Immunisation Programme that started in 2006 for frontline healthcare workers.
Schedule flu vaccination via MySejahtera
The voluntary vaccination program is expected to benefit over 170,000 high-risk senior citizens and protect the larger high-risk population from complications from influenza such as pneumonia or sepsis, which can lead to hospitalisation or even death.
Senior citizens with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, heart disease, respiratory disease, dyslipidemia and chronic kidney disease, can schedule an appointment via the MySejahtera app from February 14 onwards.
However, the availability will depend on the phased nationwide distribution of the vaccines.
Temporary shortage of influenza vaccines
In the same official statement, MOH also addressed the recent surge in influenza vaccine demands due to the unexpected passing of Taiwanese actor Barbie Hsu due to pneumonia linked to influenza.
This has led to a sudden shortage of vaccine supplies within the country. However, MOH has assured the shortage is temporary and that supplies for ongoing immunisation programmes, including for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, are still sufficient.
Additionally, MOH’s Pharmaceutical Services Programme are taking steps to ensure that there are enough vaccine supplies with the private sector, as soon as possible.
Prevention is better than cure
MOH recommends that all Malaysians get their flu shot annually to ensure that they are protected, with March or September being the best time to schedule their vaccinations as flu seasons occur during May to July (Southern Hemisphere) and November to January (Northern Hemisphere).
MOH also advised Malaysians to take preventative measures such as washing hands frequently, wearing masks if they’re a high-risk individual, and seeking medical attention if they’re experiencing prolonged flu symptoms.
