PETALING JAYA: Although the new Covid-19 variants that are driving the surge in cases is less likely to cause severe illness, health authorities and experts are urging those in the high-risk group to get updated vaccines and boosters, and mask up in crowded spaces.
They also urge those who are vulnerable – pregnant women, seniors above 60 and individuals with comorbidities – to get free flu jabs provided by the government through the MySejahtera App.
In a statement, the Health Ministry urged high-risk groups to get their Covid-19 vaccinations to reduce the risk of infection, severe complications or death.
Based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) influenza surveillance report, the number of influenza cases have risen to a weekly average of above 90 cases per week in May, compared to a weekly average of 80 cases the month before.
According to KKMNow, Covid-19 cases in the country have also been inching upwards since May 13, which recorded a seven-day average of 129 cases while on May 31, the seven-day average totalled 307.
Yet, Covid-19 vaccination rates remain low this year with little to no Covid-19 vaccine uptake as of February.
