All Malaysians aged 60 and above, as well as those aged 50 to 59 with at least one chronic condition, are now eligible for free flu vaccination under the National Influenza Immunisation Programme.
The chronic conditions include diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, as well as heart, lung and kidney diseases.
The eligibility criteria was expanded beginning late April (2026) from last year’s flu vaccine drive, which was limited to those aged 60 and above with at least one chronic condition.
Senior citizens can check which government health clinics (Klinik Kesihatan) near them offer the vaccines and book an appointment via the MySejahtera app.
Walk-ins are accepted, but subject to vaccine availability.
Malaysian Society of Geriatric Medicine immediate past president Prof Dr Tan Maw Pin explains that ageing naturally weakens the immune system, making infections like influenza harder to recover from, and increasing the risk of hospitalisation.
A Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) study found that nearly one in three individuals aged 65 and above experienced serious outcomes like hospitalisation, intensive care admission or death within a year, owing to influenza-related illnesses or complications.
Prof Tan notes: “For many older persons, serious illness can take a toll not just physically, but also emotionally and financially, affecting their independence and quality of life.
“An annual influenza vaccination is one of the simplest and kindest ways to help maintain strength, independence and overall well-being.”
ALSO READ: Three common misconceptions about flu vaccines
Malaysian Society of Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy president Prof Dr Zamberi Sekawi also points out that unlike countries with distinct winter seasons, influenza circulates throughout the year in Malaysia, making vaccination especially important for year-long protection.
