PETALING JAYA: Influenza vaccines will be offered to senior citizens with comorbidities at government health clinics starting this month, says the Health Ministry.
According to a Jan 24 circular signed by Health Director-General Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan, the influenza vaccination drive initially provided to health frontliners will now include senior citizens aged 60 and above with at least one comorbidity.
"However, the implementation will depend on the criteria of eligibility and vaccine stock," Dr Muhammad Radzi said.
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The vaccination programme will be carried out in over 500 health clinics nationwide.
"The order in this circular will come into force on Tuesday (February 18, 2025)," Dr Muhammad Radzi said.
"The vaccine stocks will be distributed to all states and subsequently to the vaccination centres," he added.
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The Health Ministry will coordinate with state health departments on the vaccination drives and vaccine distribution.
The circular also came with an influenza vaccination manual.
Usage, wastage, and adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) should also be reported according to the manual.
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Following the instruction, the Sarawak Health Department issued a circular on February 6 to state health facilities regarding the vaccination drive.
Meanwhile, sources said the vaccination drive could be conducted via the MySejahtera application, where eligible senior citizens could book their appointments.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said last year that Putrajaya was planning to offer free influenza shots to senior citizens as part of the National Immunisation Programme (NIP) from 2025.
The Health Ministry said on February 7 that there is no rising trend of influenza cases in Malaysia and no reported cases of avian influenza in humans either.
