![[UPDATED] Health Ministry rolls out free whooping cough jabs for expectant mothers](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F15bh5r1_1748237065.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
[UPDATED] Health Ministry rolls out free whooping cough jabs for expectant mothers
PUTRAJAYA – The Health Ministry is now offering free tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccines – commonly known as Tdap – to pregnant Malaysian women.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said that the rollout would begin today.
"There have been no cases this year. However, last year, we recorded two cases of pertussis – one child survived, the other did not. Just imagine losing a child at such a tender age – and they had not been immunised," he said at a press conference.
The Tdap vaccine, which provides protection for both mother and baby, is now available at all Health Ministry facilities offering maternal and child health services. This marks an upgrade from the ministry's previous vaccination programme for expectant mothers, which only covered tetanus.
The Tdap vaccine is strongly recommended for pregnant women between the 28th and 32nd week of pregnancy.
Dzulkefly also warned that vaccine refusal could result in the resurgence of diseases that are now rarely seen.
"The ministry has received reports of diphtheria, polio, and measles. If we can secure the support and cooperation of parents, we can sustain herd immunity," he said.
Despite rising misinformation and disinformation online regarding vaccines, 95 per cent of children in Malaysia have received full immunisation in accordance with the National Immunisation Programme guidelines issued by the ministry.
"It's not just about preventing disease – it's about preventing death," he added.
As of yesterday, 97,355 senior citizens with chronic conditions have benefited from the ministry's free influenza vaccination programme, which began on 18 February this year.
On a separate matter, Dzulkefly said the ministry's preparedness to respond to a recent rise in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) and Covid-19 cases in Malaysia, in light of similar surges in neighbouring countries.
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