Health minister: Tdap vaccine now available free for pregnant women at MOH facilities
PUTRAJAYA, May 26 — The Tdap vaccine (for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) is being offered free of charge to pregnant women between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation from today, said Minister of Health Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
He added that the Tdap vaccination is being offered at all Ministry of Health (MOH) primary health facilities that provide maternal health services nationwide.
'This vaccine is aimed at providing early protection to newborns, who are susceptible to complications from pertussis (whooping cough) before completing the vaccination schedule.
'International studies have also shown that this vaccine is safe and effective, without increasing any risks to the mother or baby,' he said at the National-Level Immunisation Day celebration held here today.
He said although the MOH does not make it compulsory for pregnant women to take the Tdap vaccine, they are, however, strongly encouraged to do so.
He said that in addition to the vaccine for pregnant women, which is an initiative under its lifelong immunisation strategy, the MOH had also launched the Influenza Immunisation Programme for Senior Citizens on Feb 18 by targeting those aged 60 and above with at least one listed chronic illness.
Dzulkefly said that as of yesterday, a total of 97,355 senior citizens had received the influenza vaccine at MOH facilities.
Meanwhile, he said that the national immunisation policy is regularly reviewed based on scientific evidence and international guidelines and, as such, emphasised that all vaccines used in Malaysia have undergone rigorous efficacy and safety assessments by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) and are continuously monitored by the MOH.
'There is a growing concern regarding the false dissemination of fake news and information and this undermines public confidence. I understand that some parents are still unsure.
'I urge everyone to always refer to official sources because our decision today will affect the health of future generations,' he said. — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
2 hours ago
- Borneo Post
MoU to boost cancer care in Sabah
Dr Dzulkefly speaking to the media. KOTA KINABALU (June 12): A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Cancer Research Malaysia (CRM) and six hospitals in Sabah today to enhance cancer treatment and support services under the Pink Ribbon Programme, also known as the Enhanced Patient Navigation Programme. Federal Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who witnessed the signing, said the hospitals involved are the Women and Children's Hospital, Tawau Hospital, Duchess of Kent Hospital, Keningau Hospital, Beaufort Hospital and Kota Marudu Hospital. He described the programme as a major step forward in patient care, offering a system where cancer patients are continuously guided and monitored throughout their treatment journey. 'I was informed that the default rate used to be around 20%, but now it is almost zero, which means patients are complying with treatment and returning for follow-ups. This is an achievement we can be proud of,' Dr Dzulkefly told reporters at Queen Elizabeth Hospital II. He was present for the handing-over ceremony of 100 hemodialysis machines from the Sabah Government, represented by Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib, who is also responsible for health matters in the state. Dr Dzulkefly emphasized that the Pink Ribbon initiative goes beyond standard navigation systems, calling it an 'enhanced' service that has delivered excellent outcomes in preventing patients from defaulting on their treatments. In a separate development, Dr Dzulkefly also briefed the media on his earlier meeting with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor. Describing it as a meaningful engagement, he said the discussion focused on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and included an explanation of five sub-committees addressing related issues. 'We presented our plans, recommendations, and proposals in detail, which were received by the Ministry of Health in Putrajaya and my ministry. One of the proposals includes a funding allocation of nearly RM4 billion for the year 2030,' he said. The goal, he added, is to close service delivery gaps across all 23 to 24 government hospitals in Sabah. He also revealed that discussions were held about lifting the freeze on rural doctors' allowances in Sabah and Sarawak. 'That issue was raised, and we are taking it seriously. We will table it at the upcoming post-cabinet meeting for further discussion and follow-up. I'm confident it will be given due consideration,' he said. In addition, Dr Dzulkefly addressed developments concerning the proposed upgrade of the Heart Centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital II. He confirmed that preliminary work has begun, and discussions are ongoing, including land matters raised by the Chief Minister. 'We still have several key objectives to meet, but we are committed to doing our best, God willing,' he said.
Daily Express
4 hours ago
- Daily Express
CM Hajiji receives courtesy visit from Health Minister
Published on: Thursday, June 12, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 12, 2025 Text Size: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor presented a memento to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad during the latter's courtesy visit to Sri Gaya on Thursday. KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor received a courtesy visit from Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad at Sri Gaya on Thursday. The minister was accompanied by Health Ministry Secretary-General Dato' Sri Suriani Ahmad, Director-General Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab, and senior ministry officials. Advertisement The visit coincided with the Joint Action Committee Meeting on Sabah Health Development (No. 2/2025), during which various state health issues were discussed, including facilities and services. Dr Dzulkefly also visited Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in the afternoon and Papar Hospital tomorrow. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Free Malaysia Today
5 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
JN.1 Covid-19 subvariant poses no significant health threat, says ministry
The health ministry said a total of 6,523 Covid-19 cases were reported throughout May 2025, averaging approximately 228 new cases per day. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The health ministry has moved to reassure the public that the recently detected JN.1 Covid-19 subvariant poses no significant health threats, despite the rising infection numbers in recent weeks. According to the ministry's latest data, a total of 6,523 Covid-19 cases were reported throughout May 2025, averaging approximately 228 new cases per day. 'Although there has been an increase in Covid-19 cases recently, the weekly average remains below the national warning level and no deaths have been reported so far,' the ministry said in a statement today. It added that with no fatalities recorded and the number of new cases being below the weekly average, the data corresponded with the country's 'living with Covid-19' phase. The ministry went on to encourage high-risk groups, namely senior citizens, those with underlying health conditions, immunocompromised patients, pregnant women, and frontline medical staff, to receive additional Covid-19 booster shots to reduce the risk of infection. It said free vaccinations remain available at selected government clinics across all states, with appointments bookable through the MySejahtera application. The public is also advised to keep wearing masks at crowded places and when experiencing symptoms, as well as to wash their hands frequently.
