Latest news with #InfluenzaImmunisationProgramme
Borneo Post
26-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Health Ministry offers free Tdap vaccination for pregnant women
Dzulkefli 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. – AFP photo 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. Dzulkefly Ahmad immunisation lead MOH pregnant Tdap vaccine women
The Star
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Health Ministry offers free Tdap vaccination for pregnant women
PUTRAJAYA: 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 Monday (May 26), says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad ( pic ). He added that the Tdap vaccination was offered at all Health Ministry primary health facilities that provide nationwide maternal health services. "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 on Monday (May 26). He said that although the ministry does not make it compulsory for pregnant women to take the Tdap vaccine, they are 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 ministry had also launched the Influenza Immunisation Programme for Senior Citizens on Feb 18, targeting those aged 60 and above with at least one listed chronic illness. Dzulkefly said that as of Sunday (May 25), 97,355 senior citizens had received the influenza vaccine at ministry facilities. Meanwhile, he said that the national immunisation policy was 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 ministry. "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
Barnama
26-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
MOH Offers Free Tdap Vaccination For Pregnant Women
PUTRAJAYA, May 26 (Bernama) -- 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.
Borneo Post
25-04-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Free flu vaccines for senior citizens with comorbidities until end of Aug
The programme is being implemented at 649 selected health clinics nationwide. — Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (April 25): The Health Ministry (MoH) is offering 57,093 appointment slots for senior citizens with comorbidities to receive free influenza vaccinations. The initiative, under the Influenza Immunisation Programme for Senior Citizens, is being implemented at 649 selected health clinics nationwide until the end of August. In a statement yesterday, the MoH said that as of April 20, 2025, 59.47 per cent of high-risk senior citizens had received influenza shots, based on the number of vaccine doses supplied to government healthcare facilities nationwide. 'Eligible senior citizens are advised to book their appointments promptly before all slots are filled. The vaccine is provided free of charge, covering the cost of the vaccine, equipment, and related healthcare services. 'Appointments can be made via the MySejahtera app. The public may also contact their nearest District Health Office, visit the official MoH website or social media pages, or walk in to any participating health clinic for further information,' the statement said. The MoH added that senior citizens without access to MySejahtera may walk into any listed health clinic for registration and vaccination, subject to slot availability. The ministry also encouraged elderly patients attending follow-up appointments for chronic diseases to take the initiative to ask about their eligibility for the free influenza vaccine, should they not have been offered it. 'The MoH urges all senior citizens with at least one comorbidity or chronic illness, such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic respiratory disease, or hypertension, to take advantage of this opportunity to receive proper protection ahead of the infection season. 'This step is crucial in preventing serious complications and reducing hospital admissions due to influenza infections among high-risk groups,' the ministry said. The Influenza Immunisation Programme for Senior Citizens, which provides free influenza vaccines to senior citizens with at least one comorbid or chronic illness, began on Feb 18. The public can visit the official MoH website or participating health clinics for more information. — Bernama Influenza Immunisation Programme lead senior citizens
