KUCHING: The Malaysian Influenza Working Group (MIWG) and Malaysian Society of Geriatric Medicine (MSGM) has initiated a petition urging the government to provide free annual influenza vaccinations for senior citizens.
The medical groups is calling for public support to sign the petition for free
vaccinations for the older persons, especially those in the B40 community and retirees.
The petition is supported by 18 medical societies and 11 non-governmental organisations which are collectively known as the Malaysian Alliance for the Prevention of Influenza (MyAPI).
“We wish to convey the collective desire of healthcare workers, senior citizens, and concerned citizens who are wholeheartedly in favour of this initiative.
“This initiative is in line with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Global Influenza Strategy for 2019-2030 which provides a framework for countries to approach influenza holistically through tailored national programmes,” the groups said in a joint statement.
Furthermore, they said the initiative is in accordance with the recently approved Health White Paper by the government to cater to the emerging needs of the growing population of older persons in the country.
“As the number of older persons with chronic diseases increases, so will the demand for long-term care, including the significant financial implications from direct cost of care.
“Preventive medicine, including vaccination, can therefore not only be potentially cost saving, but also play a major role in preserving the health and independence of older adults.”
MIWG and MSGM said it hoped the initiative will reduce morbidity and mortality associated with influenza.
“Furthermore, a national seasonal influenza prevention programme lays the foundation for pandemic preparedness.
“We wish to emphasise that equitable access to healthcare and healthy ageing is an inherent right for our older persons,” they said.
The medical groups also said currently more than 95 percent of the older persons are not vaccinated against influenza.
“That is why we earnestly call upon the public and the government to support this cause so that Malaysia too can follow suit to provide our older persons the protection they deserve,” they said.
They assured that the influenza vaccine is safe and is updated every year to match the circulating influenza viruses.
“The influenza vaccine is generally effective to prevent severe disease and complications. This reduces the risk for hospitalisation which in turn relieves the strain on hospital beds and other healthcare resources.”
Meanwhile, to date, 40 countries have implemented free influenza vaccinations for older persons.
At the time of the writing, the petition has garnered nearly 5,000 signatures.
Those who wish to sign the petition can do so by going to the link: https://chng.it/b5hFCKZJ.
