THE Influenza A vaccine will only be administered on patients who are considered high-risk, said Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

The health minister said it was not the ministry’s policy to inoculate the public at this juncture. 

“The Influenza A vaccine is only offered to those who are considered high-risk in government hospitals. These are patients who have chronic illness or whose immune systems are compromised and may face death if infected,” he said today in the capital. 

Dzulkefly said there was a vaccine shortage at the end of last year and the first few days of the new year, and the ministry had moved to address shortage of vaccines at private hospitals and clinics. 

He said the ministry had authorised suppliers to bring in additional stock to cater to increased demand.

Yesterday, the Selangor Health Department said up to 22 people in Cyberjaya and Klang had tested positive for Influenza A.

In a statement, it said in Cyberjaya, 20 students and a teacher from Sekolah Kebangsaan Cyberjaya were diagnosed with the viral infection after presenting with symptoms of fever, cough and flu.

Two siblings in Klang similarly tested positive for the virus. 

“The students and the teacher (in Cyberjaya) received outpatient treatment and were allowed to return home. However, one schoolboy was admitted to a private hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. 

“One of the siblings in Klang was hospitalised, but is in stable condition, while the other received outpatient treatment  and was allowed to return home,” Selangor Health Director Dr Sha’ari Ngadiman said in the statement.

He added that based on an initial investigation, health authorities believe the two cases are not linked. 

Dzulkefly said the closure of schools is not necessary as the situation was still under control.

The main symptoms of influenza include cold, sore throat, cough, headache, joint pain, muscle ache and fatigue. 

While the disease causes most patients to experience light illnesses, it can badly affect high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women and patients who suffer from chronic diseases. 

Following the latest cases, the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) wants the government to consider adding Influenza A to the list of six infectious diseases, which allowed for quarantine leave to be provided. 

In a statement, NUTP secretary-general Harry Tan Huat Hock said in view of the spread of the Influenza A virus in the country, quarantine leave should be given to infected teachers and students. – January 11, 2020.