WANITA MCA has urged the government to consider extending the free influenza vaccination programme to include people from low-income groups, people with disabilities as well as students.
This is in addition to senior citizens aged 60 and above with at least one chronic illness who will be eligible for free vaccinations starting Feb 18, as the Health Ministry (MOH) had announced on Monday (Feb 10).
“(The government) should gradually expand the scope of the programme to include these groups, and allow them to also receive flu vaccinations free of charge,” said Wanita MCA national deputy chairperson Tee Hooi Ling.
“Either way, the government should look into reducing the cost of these vaccines or provide allowances and subsidies for citizens to get vaccinated.”
The current programme, which will be carried out at designated government clinics nationwide, offers free influenza vaccinations to eligible senior citizens aged 60 and above, with an estimated 170,000 senior citizens expected to benefit.
According to an MOH announcement, the vaccine will be administered at designated government clinics across the country.
The programme builds on an existing Influenza Immunisation Programme that has provided influenza vaccines to frontline healthcare workers.
Tee said at the same time, private clinics or organisations should also collaborate with the MOH to offer influenza vaccination services in communities, especially in suburban areas, for greater convenience.
“Wanita MCA calls on all eligible senior citizens to seize this opportunity and actively get their flu vaccination, to improve their immunity, reduce the risk of severe illness, and work together towards creating a healthier society,” she added.
The free influenza vaccination programme follows the Elderly Healthcare Service Action Plan (PTPKWE) 2023-2030, introduced by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad on Oct 1, 2024.
It aims to protect high-risk individuals from severe influenza complications, including pneumonia, heart inflammation, and sepsis.
Appointments for vaccinations can be made via the MySejahtera app starting Feb 14, subject to the phased nationwide distribution of vaccines. – Feb 13, 2025
Main image: Utusan Malaysia
