PETALING JAYA: Elderly Malaysians should not miss the opportunity to get vaccinated free against influenza starting tomorrow, say health experts.
Malaysian Medical Association president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said senior citizens, who are eligible for the free vaccination, should take full advantage by registering as soon as possible for the vaccine.
“The flu vaccine is beneficial, especially for the elderly, as it is shown to be effective in protecting against complications from the flu.
“Older persons with comorbidities are at higher risk of complications, which can even lead to hospitalisation and, in some cases, death.
“Taking precautions such as getting vaccinated is strongly advised,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Dr Kalwinder, however, raised concerns over the availability of the flu vaccine at private clinics and hospitals.
“Many patients are now heeding the advice of taking precautions against the flu and asking for the vaccine.
“While we fully support the government’s free vaccination programme for high-risk seniors at government clinics, it is equally important to recognise the vital role general practitioners play in community vaccination efforts.”
He also urged the Health Ministry and vaccine suppliers to ensure adequate distribution of vaccines to private clinics and hospitals to prevent gaps in immunisation coverage.
On Feb 10, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced the expansion of the Influenza Immunisation Programme, which was launched in 2006, to cover not only frontline healthcare workers but also senior citizens aged 60 and above with at least one chronic illness.
The rollout of the voluntary vaccination exercise will begin on Feb 18 and is expected to benefit over 170,000 high-risk senior citizens via appointments made via the MySejahtera app.
Public health expert Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia said it is commendable that the government is expanding its immunisation programme by providing free influenza vaccinations for those above 60, particularly those with existing comorbidities.
“The risk of developing severe complications from the flu is significantly higher for elderly individuals, particularly those aged 65 and older.
“This is because they are at a much higher risk compared to younger adults due to their weakened immune system,” she said.
Although she did not provide the exact numbers, Dr Sharifa said flu-related deaths are the highest among the elderly.
“Influenza can result in a host of complications, such as pneumonia, including sepsis.
“Getting vaccinated offers protection to the elderly against developing such complications, which could prove fatal,” she added.She advised senior folk who are eligible to make the effort to get vaccinated.
“Those operating homes or centres for the care of the elderly must make it a priority for seniors under their care to be vaccinated under the programme.”
In 2023, pneumonia surpassed heart-related disease as the leading cause of death in the country, which accounted for 8,181 deaths, or 15.2% of 119,952 medically certified deaths for that year.
Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said the elderly should not take influenza lightly but seize the chance to get vaccinated for free.
“Clinically speaking, there have been cases that have gone badly for those in this group.”
He added that it becomes challenging for doctors treating elderly patients towards recovery due to complications linked to influenza.
Free flu shots a relief for senior citizens but uptake uncertain
Vital living: Darren Tay (second from left) with other senior citizens exercising in Bukit Dumbar, Penang. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Retiree R. Segaran, 63, had been considering a flu shot after hearing about relatives getting sick.
However, concerned about the cost, as he now lives on his savings, he hadn’t enquired about it at private clinics.
So when the government announced free flu jabs for senior citizens with chronic illnesses, he was relieved.
“I have diabetes and hypertension. Since last year, I’ve heard about so many friends and relatives getting the flu, and it seemed to affect them badly. I thought a wave of Covid-19 was back.
“I haven’t caught the flu yet because I stay home with my wife most of the time.
“I am definitely signing up for the free jab via MySejahtera when it starts,” said the former factory technician.
Starting tomorrow, all Malaysians over 60 with at least one chronic illness are eligible for free influenza vaccinations by registering through the MySejahtera app.
Housewife Doreen Phor, 56, said she would not hesitate to get the free flu vaccine, but she is four years too young.
“I recently got my influenza shot at a private clinic, and it cost me RM80.
“With the increasing number of influenza cases in the community, we should not only protect ourselves but also those around us.
“Although I spend most of my time at home and am relatively safe, others could still carry the virus and spread it,” she said yesterday.
She added that her family members have also received their flu shots and would gladly accept the vaccine if it is offered by the government.
“My last jab was in August, and since the dose is expected to be effective for a year, I would gladly take it again this August if the government provides it for free.”
However, retired fish farmer Teh Ah Teik, 64, remains hesitant about getting the jab.
He has not applied for it despite having taken the flu vaccine once, many years ago.
“A few years back, before travelling to Taiwan, I got a flu shot at a local clinic.
“But since I have no plans to travel to cold places anytime soon, I don’t see the need for another flu shot, even if it’s free.
“Instead, I focus on keeping myself healthy by walking for about an hour every day.”
Phor and Teh are among many senior citizens who have expressed mixed opinions on whether to apply for or receive the flu vaccine.
Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi said eligibility for the free flu vaccination requires registration and appointments through the MySejahtera app.“A total of 24 health clinics in Penang have been selected to provide the vaccines to eligible recipients,” he said.
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