PUTRAJAYA: The Tdap vaccine (for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) is being offered free of charge to pregnant women between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation from Monday (May 26), says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic).
He added that the Tdap vaccination was offered at all Health Ministry primary health facilities that provide nationwide maternal health services.
"This vaccine is aimed at providing early protection to newborns, who are susceptible to complications from pertussis (whooping cough) before completing the vaccination schedule.
"International studies have also shown that this vaccine is safe and effective, without increasing any risks to the mother or baby," he said at the National-Level Immunisation Day celebration held here on Monday (May 26).
He said that although the ministry does not make it compulsory for pregnant women to take the Tdap vaccine, they are strongly encouraged to do so.
He said that in addition to the vaccine for pregnant women, which is an initiative under its lifelong immunisation strategy, the ministry had also launched the Influenza Immunisation Programme for Senior Citizens on Feb 18, targeting those aged 60 and above with at least one listed chronic illness.
Dzulkefly said that as of Sunday (May 25), 97,355 senior citizens had received the influenza vaccine at ministry facilities.
Meanwhile, he said that the national immunisation policy was regularly reviewed based on scientific evidence and international guidelines and, as such, emphasised that all vaccines used in Malaysia have undergone rigorous efficacy and safety assessments by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) and are continuously monitored by the ministry.
"There is a growing concern regarding the false dissemination of fake news and information, and this undermines public confidence. I understand that some parents are still unsure.
"I urge everyone to always refer to official sources because our decision today will affect the health of future generations," he said. – Bernama
