New guide targets vaccine gaps in older Malaysians
Dr H. Kejal Hasmukharay said the National Vaccine-Preventable Disease Recommendations for Older Adults 2025 marked a major milestone in public health.
The recommendations, tailored to the Malaysian context, address the need to protect older adults from avoidable illness and healthcare burdens, she added.
She said the comprehensive guide focused exclusively on immunisation of adults aged 60 and above and underscored the country's commitment to protecting its ageing population from serious infectious diseases.
The geriatrician said the initiative was spearheaded by the Malaysian Society of Geriatric Medicine in response to the increasing burden of vaccine-preventable diseases such as pneumococcal pneumonia, influenza, shingles and respiratory syncytial virus among older Malaysians.
'It draws upon international best practices, particularly recommendations from international guidelines and is carefully adapted to suit the Malaysian healthcare landscape,' she said.
The guidance, launched during the Malaysian Congress of Geriatric Medicine 2025 held here recently, states that vaccination in adulthood is vital for protecting individuals and the broader community from vaccine-preventable diseases to help maintain a healthy ageing population.
The recommendations aim to enhance the health and well-being of Malaysia's ageing population by promoting informed vaccination decisions.
Dr Kejal, who served as technical adviser and chairperson for the development of the guidance, said the recommendations contained scientific evidence and safety profiles tailored for older adults, with strategic approaches to improve vaccine uptake in this high-risk group.
With Malaysia on track to becoming an aged nation by 2044, she said older adults were up to 13 times more likely to suffer complications from infectious diseases.
'Yet vaccination rates among them remain underutilised. The launch of the recommendations represents a forward-thinking, evidence-based approach to ageing and one that prioritises prevention and promotes resilience.
'We are committed to working hand in hand with professional societies, civil society organisations and government stakeholders to raise awareness, strengthen public trust and promote the uptake of vaccines among older adults,' she added.
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