Health Ministry to request for Influenza vaccine allocation for the vulnerable, elderly, says Dr Dzul

PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry will request allocation for the Influenza vaccine for the vulnerable and elderly groups in Budget 2025, as part of the National Immunisation Programme, says Datuk Seri Dr Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad.

The Health Minister said the vaccine has proven to be effective among those in the vulnerable and elderly, adding that the ministry will write in its request for the budget allocation per regulation.

“We are aware of its efficacy, especially among those in the vulnerable group and the elderly. So, we will try our best to ask for this allocation.

“But as usual, we still have our priorities and will look at the cost (overall). We will try to get it done for those aged 65 years and above,” he told the media after the Immunisation Day National Level Celebration 2024 and the National Immunisation Summit 2024, here, on Monday (May 13).

He added the one-dose vaccine can be taken yearly, adding that the nature of the Influenza which tends to mutate requires an updated version every year as well.