Penang has received 4,000 doses of influenza vaccine for the first phase of the free influenza vaccination programme targeted at senior citizens. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to protect elderly individuals, particularly those with chronic diseases, from the risks associated with influenza.
The vaccines have been distributed to 24 health clinics across Penang, where senior citizens aged 60 and above, especially those with at least one listed chronic illness, can receive the vaccine free of charge. This programme aligns with the MOH’s strategy to immunize high-risk groups against influenza, which can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and hospitalization.
Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin, the Kelantan State Health Department director, although speaking in the context of Kelantan, highlighted the importance of this vaccination drive. He noted that “influenza is not just a common fever, for high-risk groups such as the elderly, it can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and hospitalisation.”
In Penang, the vaccination programme is designed to ensure that senior citizens have easy access to the vaccine. The doses can be obtained through appointment via the MySejahtera application, at health clinics, or on a walk-in basis, subject to stock availability.
The MOH has emphasized that the best time to take the influenza vaccine in Malaysia is in March or September, in preparation for the winter waves in the southern and northern hemispheres. This timing helps in maximizing the protective effects of the vaccine during the peak influenza seasons.
Similar initiatives are also being implemented in other states, such as Kelantan, where a total of 842 senior citizens have received free influenza vaccines since the programme began. Kelantan has received 3,600 doses of the influenza vaccine, which have been distributed to 57 selected health clinics.
The importance of annual influenza vaccination for older adults is underscored by various health authorities. According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), annual influenza vaccination is crucial for preventing flu and flu-related complications in adults aged 65 years and older. The NFID recommends higher dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines for this age group due to their higher risk of serious flu and flu-related complications, including heart attacks and strokes.
The free influenza vaccination programme in Penang and other states is a significant step towards protecting senior citizens from the potentially severe consequences of influenza infection.
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