KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 — Health experts are urging high-risk adults in Malaysia to get vaccinated against influenza, warning that too few are protected despite strong public awareness and positive attitudes towards the flu vaccine.
The call comes ahead of the country’s mid-year influenza season, with medical groups cautioning that older adults and those with chronic diseases remain vulnerable to severe complications from influenza infections.
A 2025 nationwide survey involving 672 Malaysians aged 60 and above found that while 74 per cent were aware of influenza and 76 per cent viewed vaccination positively, only 29 per cent had ever received the vaccine.
Of that group, only about half said they received the influenza shot annually.
The survey was conducted collaboratively by the Health Ministry, the Malaysian Influenza Working Group (MIWG), and several public universities.
In conjunction with National Immunisation Day on May 7, the Malaysian Society of Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy (MSIDC) and the Malaysian Medical Association Foundation-Infectious Diseases Fund (MMAF-IDF) encouraged adults, particularly those in high-risk groups, to take preventive action through vaccination.
Influenza vaccines are available at private clinics and hospitals nationwide for a fee, while selected Health Ministry facilities also offer vaccinations.
The ministry currently provides influenza vaccination for eligible individuals aged 50 and above with at least one chronic illness, as well as all adults aged 60 and above regardless of health condition.
The public can check vaccine availability at government healthcare facilities or make appointments through the MySejahtera application.
Malaysian Society of Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy president Professor Dr Zamberi Sekawi said influenza vaccination remained one of the most reliable ways to reduce severe infections, especially among vulnerable groups.
“Influenza vaccination has been used for decades with a well-established safety profile, and continues to be a dependable way to reduce complications and the need for hospitalisation,” he said in a media release today.
He noted that unlike countries with winter seasons, influenza circulates year-round in Malaysia, making vaccination particularly important.
Meanwhile, Lung Foundation of Malaysia chairperson Professor Dr Roslina Manap said influenza poses greater risks for adults living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Citing data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2025, she said 68 per cent of adults aged over 60 have at least two NCDs, while about 30 per cent live with diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol simultaneously.
Individuals with heart disease face up to five times higher risk of influenza-related death, while those with diabetes are up to three times more likely to die and six times more likely to be hospitalised due to complications, she said.
“Because of this, many clinicians emphasise that vaccination should be considered a standard part of managing chronic conditions, not just an optional preventive measure,” she added.
Immediate past president of the Malaysian Society of Geriatric Medicine Professor Tan Maw Pin said older adults are especially vulnerable as ageing naturally weakens the immune system.
A retrospective study conducted at the University Malaya Medical Centre found nearly one in three individuals aged 65 and above experienced serious outcomes — including hospitalisation, intensive care admission or death within a year — due to influenza-related illnesses or complications.
“For many older persons, serious illness can take a toll not just physically, but also emotionally and financially, affecting their independence and quality of life,” she said.
“An annual influenza vaccination is one of the simplest and kindest ways to help maintain strength, independence, and overall wellbeing.”
