HOSPITALS and medical groups rebuffed reports on a shortage of influenza vaccines in the country, The Star reports.

They said supplies have been procured from various sources to prevent a shortage, which have been blamed on various factors such as supply chain issues and the Russian-Ukraine war.

Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia president Dr Kuljit Singh told The Star stock is low at certain private hospitals when compared with last year, but any shortage is only likely if too many people take the vaccine simultaneously. 

He also said some vendors are only able to obtain supplies within two weeks.

The Star also quoted Technical Committee chairman for the Immunise4Life Programme Prof Dr Zulkifli Ismail, who said there is no shortage of influenza vaccines as supply is obtained from a number of vendors.

Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Koh Kar Chai meanwhile said some “disruption” to supply is due to an increase in uptake of the vaccines, but that the situation is being rectified.

Last month, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said cases of influenza-like illness in the country are currently under control despite several clusters involving boarding schools being detected.

“The public, especially parents, did not have to worry as it was a common infection and would emerge from time to time, with patients only needing monitoring and isolation,

“Cases of influenza will increase from time to time because the movement-control order has been lifted,” he said. – July 12, 2022.