The free flu vaccine program for seniors aged 60 and above will start on February 18, with an estimated 170,000 seniors expected to benefit.
However, only seniors with at least one comorbidity are eligible, including diabetes, respiratory diseases, heart disease, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or chronic kidney disease.
The Ministry of Health stated in a press release that the flu vaccination program began in 2006, but at that time it was only limited to eligible frontline personnel of the Ministry of Health.
“The expanded immunization program aims to protect more high-risk groups and prevent them from facing serious complications from flu infections, such as pneumonia, heart disease, and sepsis, which could lead to hospitalization or death.”
The public can start making appointments for vaccination through the MySejahtera mobile application starting February 14, depending on the nationwide distribution of vaccines.
The statement also noted that the death of Taiwanese celebrity Xu Xiyuan (Big S) from flu-related pneumonia has caused panic in the East Asian region, leading to a surge in flu vaccinations and resulting in a shortage of vaccines.
Nonetheless, the Ministry of Health indicated that the vaccine shortage in our country is only temporary, with sufficient medium-term vaccine supply, including adequate vaccines for pilgrims.
“The Ministry of Health will also take action to ensure that the vaccine shortage returns to normal.”
Seasonal flu causes many respiratory-related deaths annually, so high-risk groups are urged to receive the flu vaccine before winter to prevent severe complications.