THERE is no shortage of flu (influenza) vaccines as it is available in many clinics and hospitals nationwide, Immunise4Life Programme Technical Committee Chairman, Dr Zulkifli Ismail said. 

He rebuffed media reports on the scarcity of the vaccine, noting that the vaccine is supplied by many companies and one news report on the inability of one company to supply it did not reflect the actual situation.

“This has caused a rumour to spread on social media that we are currently facing a shortage of flu vaccines.”

“The media would have discovered this (is untrue) if they had checked with a few clinics instead of merely quoting the unnamed source,” Dr Zulkifli said in a statement today.

He was referring to media reports since July 8 citing an anonymous doctor who received a memo from a supplier claiming that flu vaccines would only be available in 2024. 

“We wish to stress that there is no shortage of the flu vaccine. Flu vaccines are available
in many clinics and hospitals nationwide,” Dr Zulkifli said.

He advised Malaysians to urgently get their shots as flu cases have been increasing around the country recently.

“As healthcare professionals, we advise the public to get their annual flu shot, especially pregnant women, young children, people with chronic health conditions, and older persons.”

“These high-risk groups are susceptible to severe flu which may result in acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, multi-organ failure and even death.”

Apart from emphasising flu vaccination, he also urged the public to continue practising standard operating procedures to minimise risks. 

This, he said includes wearing a mask indoors, frequent hand cleansing with soap and water, and physical distancing wherever possible. 

“These SOPs help reduce the risk of catching Covid-19 and flu.”

Immunise4Life was started by the Health Ministry in 2013 to promote immunisation against diseases that can be prevented by vaccines. It is a community education initiative that is run by medical experts. – July 22, 2022.