PETALING JAYA: Dengue infections have surged 56.2% nationwide this year with 58,079 cases and 55 deaths recorded so far, but take-up of dengue vaccines remains low due to cost and lack of awareness, say stakeholders.
Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Associations, Malaysia president Dr Shanmuganathan TV Ganeson said cost is one factor behind the low vaccine take-up rate.
“A two-dose regime may cost RM420 to RM500, depending on the facility, and is generally cheaper in general practitioner (GP) clinics,” he said, adding that GPs are also lagging in terms of publicity compared to bigger facilities.
He said the dengue vaccine also has to compete with other vaccines that are more affordable, especially the flu vaccine.
“People here tend to opt for flu protection, especially travellers, which costs less than RM100, rather than an expensive dengue vaccine,” he said.
He explained that the dengue vaccine cannot be given to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and immunocompromised patients.
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The vaccine, he added, should be taken by those aged between four and 60 years.
Dengue Prevention Advocacy Malaysia co-chairman Prof Dr Zamberi Sekawi said that, as with other vaccines, there is some hesitancy with the dengue vaccine.
However, he said the low take-up for the dengue vaccine cannot be taken as an anti-vaccine sentiment.
“The evidence suggests that many Malaysians are undecided rather than opposed. They want to know how effective the vaccine is, its long-term safety, and the recommendation of their doctor.
“There is also still limited public awareness of the vaccine,” he said.
“Cost and access must not be mistaken for hesitancy. Since we have to pay for it, it creates an additional barrier.”
He said studies have shown that acceptance of the vaccine improves when people understand its risks and when doctors themselves recommend the jab.
“We need better public education and, importantly, doctors who are confident enough to have personalised conversations about dengue prevention and vaccination,” he said.
Checks by The Star on prices at various private facilities showed that two doses of the dengue vaccine can cost up to RM480.
The Health Ministry said last year that it had no immediate plans to include the vaccine in the National Immunisation Programme.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Health Ministry said the increase in cases was initially concentrated in the Klang Valley, particularly Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
“The risk of dengue transmission remains high, and the national situation remains worrying following increases in cases now also detected in several other states,” it said.
Intensive and targeted prevention and control measures, including early case detection, vector control, outbreak management and mobilisation of personnel, have since begun to show positive results, it noted.
According to the ministry, Perlis recorded the highest percentage increase at 207%, with cases rising from 55 last year (Jan 1 to Aug 15) to 169 this year.
Johor saw cases more than double from 4,140 to 8,639, an increase of 109%, while Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya recorded a 106% rise from 5,013 to 10,316 cases.
Selangor continued to record the highest number of infections nationwide at 25,090, up 61% from 15,610 cases.
Sabah recorded 3,753 cases compared with 2,806 previously, an increase of 34%.
Only Penang, Melaka and Kedah recorded reductions, with cases falling by 26%, 36% and 60%, respectively.
The ministry said the rise in dengue cases was attributed to several factors, including the weather.
