JOHOR BARU: Malaysians are taking precautionary measures by masking up to stay safe following mounting concerns over influenza cases.
Accountant Tan Phei Wen, 36, said she constantly reminded her family to keep their face masks on while holidaying in Japan.
“We travelled in a large group of 11 comprising four adults, five children and two elderly family members.
“My three young kids were vaccinated before the trip but some of us did not get our influenza shots due to the shortage of vaccines.“The clinic told us to wait for the stock to arrive but we could not get it in time before our 11-day family vacation,” she said when interviewed.
Tan said they washed and sanitised their hands frequently during the trip, especially after visiting crowded tourist attractions.
“Of course we were concerned about the influenza situation but we did not want to miss out on this family trip that we had planned for two months.
“We made sure to remind each other about maintaining good hygiene while spending quality time together before our kids begin the new school term next Monday,” she said.
Accountant Tan Phei Wen (right) and her family donning face masks to stay safe while holidaying in Japan. They are seen here at the Noboribetsu Village in Hokkaido.
Factory worker Janet Chew, 61, is hoping that influenza vaccines will be replenished soon as she is due to travel to Hong Kong next month.
“I enquired at a clinic in Taman Puteri Wangsa and was told that they are charging RM80 per shot but they are currently out of vaccines due to the high demand.
“Even if I do not get vaccinated in time for my trip, I will still go ahead with the trip and wear face mask at all times,” she said, adding that she has also purchased extra face masks for her loved ones.
Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the demand for influenza vaccines had been high before the Chinese New Year period.
“The recent death of Taiwanese celebrity Barbie Hsu also led to a surge in demand for influenza vaccines.
“This has caused a shortage of vaccines at private clinics and hospitals in the country, including Johor.
“However, the state government believes the supply will gradually return to normal in March and April,” he said when contacted.Ling urged the public not to panic as there is no hike in influenza cases in Johor and advised them to observe good personal hygiene.
He also reminded them to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of cough, flu and fever.
Meanwhile, a pharmacy sales staff member Nadia Nordin said supply of face masks at the outlet here is low as many customers had been stocking up since two weeks ago.
“We are currently out of the conventional face mask designs. Many have also purchased children’s face masks in preparation for the new school term,” she said.
