PUTRAJAYA — The Health Ministry (MOH) has announced that senior citizens aged 60 and above with at least one listed chronic illness will be eligible for a free influenza vaccine from February 18.
The voluntary vaccination programme is open to those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, respiratory diseases, heart disease, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and chronic kidney disease.
“Eligible individuals can schedule appointments through the MySejahtera app from February 14, subject to vaccine availability, which will be distributed in phases nationwide,” the ministry said in a statement today.
Aimed at protecting high-risk groups from severe complications due to influenza—which can lead to hospitalisation or even death—the initiative is expected to benefit more than 170,000 senior citizens.
The national influenza immunisation programme, which was first introduced in 2006, previously focused on frontline healthcare workers.
The initiative also aligns with the Elderly Healthcare Services Action Plan 2023-2030, launched on October 1 last year.
The MOH has also reassured the public that the temporary shortage of influenza vaccines due to high demand is being addressed, with adequate supplies expected to support ongoing immunisation efforts, including for pilgrims.
The ministry advises the public to get an annual flu shot, with the optimal time in Malaysia being March or September.
This aligns with preparations for influenza waves in the southern hemisphere (May–July) and the northern hemisphere (November–January).
Additionally, the public is encouraged to follow preventive measures against influenza and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, cough, or a prolonged cold. — February 10, 2025