MALAYSIANS should seriously consider taking up the influenza jab to protect themselves, health experts said.

This is even more crucial for those who are elderly or have other illnesses.

“People should definitely get flu jabs especially since these vaccines work, are safe, and are easily and readily available,” Azrul Mohd Khalib, the chief executive officer of the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy, said.

“They can even be used for children as young as six months.” 

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It is usually spread year-round and not confined to a particular outbreak.  

For most people, their immune systems will beat the virus and the flu resolves on its own.  

“However, influenza and most importantly, its complications, can be deadly,” Azrul said.

“Unfortunately the flu has been under-appreciated in this part of the world, despite causing morbidity and fatalities especially among the aged population.” 

Dr Malina Osman, Universiti Putra Malaysia’s epidemiologist and public health experts, said that data showed influenza is most common among young children, elderly and those with immune problems or co-morbidities. 

“In temperate countries, it is associated with cold weather like winter. 

“It is advisable for those in high-risk groups to take vaccines against influenza yearly,” she said. 

Meanwhile, public health expert Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar also encouraged those who can afford it to take the flu jab.

“It is common for flu or cold outbreaks to happen, especially during winter in (Europe) or in rainy or monsoon in our setting,” Zainal said. 

“It is similar in clinical presentations, fever, cough and runny nose.

“It is encouraged for those at-risk and can afford flu vaccines.”

Dr Zulkifli Ismail, the technical director for the Immunise4life programme, added that the influenza vaccine is important to reduce the risk of death among the elderly and those who are at high risk.

Last week, Deputy Health Minister I Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali said the ministry was considering giving free flu shots to senior citizens. 

This was because Malaysia was heading towards an ageing nation in 2030, he said. – September 14, 2022.