PETALING JAYA: More than 3,000 senior citizens received their influenza shots on the first day of the government’s flu vaccination drive, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
"It is truly encouraging to see such positive uptake for the free influenza vaccine among seniors!,” the Health Minister said in a post on X on Wednesday (Feb 19).
“(A total of) 3,618 seniors (aged 60-90) received their influenza vaccination yesterday, with all appointment slots filled,” he added.
Dzulkefly said “more positive outcomes” can be expected today, which is the second day of the vaccination drive.
He said getting inoculated against the influenza virus was important as it lowers the risk of severe illnesses and complications, reduces hospital admissions and protects loved ones and the community as a whole.
The highest uptake for the jab was reported in Perak, followed by Selangor and Kelantan.
He was responding to a tweet by former Health Ministry deputy director-general Datuk Dr Christopher Lee who lauded the initiative and the encouraging uptake among seniors.
A check by The Star showed that slots at over 100 health clinics nationwide had been fully booked.
Some clinics were even fully booked till March.
The nationwide influenza immunisation programme is available at government health clinics for senior citizens aged 60 and above with at least one comorbidity.
Over 170,000 seniors are expected to benefit from the vaccination programme.
Salam Madani AllAppreciate Dato Dr @chriskc_lee for continuously championing & supporting public health efforts."It is truly encouraging to see such positive uptake for the free influenza vaccine among seniors!Why It Matters:Lowers risk of severe illness &… https://t.co/NJRnS4qat2— Dzulkefly Ahmad (@DrDzul) February 19, 2025
