Latest news with #MySejahtera
The Star
3 days ago
- General
- The Star
Surge in Covid-19 cases recorded
Virus making a comeback in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and US PETALING JAYA: As society becomes more relaxed about the perceived threat of Covid-19, the coronavirus has started to resurge in many countries, leading to an increase in reported cases. Between May 25 and 30, Thailand reported 65,880 new Covid-19 cases with three fatalities. Indonesia's Health Ministry issued a public health advisory following a resurgence of cases in several Asian countries. It urged citizens to remain vigilant and adopt precautionary measures. Both Hong Kong and the United States have reported an uptick in Covid-19 cases linked to the NB.1.8.1 variant. Singapore reported over 14,000 cases between Apr 27 and May 3. In Malaysia, the Health Ministry said an average of 600 cases were reported each week between Apr 14 and May 10. Malaysia reported over 11,000 cases between Jan 1 and May 10. These are the last available numbers released by the ministry. Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's professor of Public Health Medicine, said people have become lax as Covid-19 is no longer seen as a major threat now. People should be aware of the mutation of the virus and the new variants that would appear, she added. 'The most recent designated variant under monitoring (VUM) is NB.1.8.1, and it is considered highly transmissible but does not indicate higher virulence, or risk of hospitalisation or deaths. It has been stated that the current vaccine's coverage also covers the current strain and those at high risk such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those with high comorbidity need to be vigilant,' she added. She said high-risk groups should wear a mask when they are outdoors or if they develop symptoms. Those with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) should not miss their medication schedule. 'If you have Covid-19-like symptoms, it could also be adenovirus (usually mild), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and/or influenza,' she said. This can be determined by testing for Covid-19, or by visiting your healthcare provider for treatment and admission if necessary. 'The symptoms may mimic each other, or you can catch two diseases at the same time which is rare, but can occur,' she added. She said this new variant seems to cause symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, headache and gastrointestinal distress. 'Besides antigen testing, you may need to get a chest X-ray and blood test for confirmation to rule out pneumonia. Covid generally presents as non threatening symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection and no need to follow up with MySejahtera app (like before),' she said. Former Health Ministry official and public health expert Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said the rise in cases could be due to decreasing immunity either from natural infection or immunisation and people no longer observing precautionary measures like before. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on May 28 that since February, global SARS-CoV-2 activity has been on the rise, with the test positivity rate reaching 11% - levels that have not been observed since July 2024. 'This rise is primarily observed in countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and Western Pacific regions. Since early 2025, global SARS-CoV-2 variant trends have slightly shifted. Circulation of LP.8.1 has been declining, and reporting of NB.1.8.1, a VUM, is increasing, reaching 10.7% of global sequences reported as of mid-May.' Recent increases in SARS-CoV-2 activity are broadly consistent with levels observed during the same period last year. However, there still lacks a clear seasonality in SARS-CoV-2 circulation, and surveillance is limited, it said. WHO also advised all member states to continue monitoring and applying a risk-based and integrated approach to managing Covid-19.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Experts warn of JN.1 Covid risks amid regional surge
PETALING JAYA: As Covid-19 cases surge in neighbouring countries, Malaysian health experts are highlighting the potential risks posed by the JN.1 subvariant of Omicron. Should another outbreak emerge, they warn that Malaysia remains vulnerable due to a combination of factors, including waning population immunity and reduced public vigilance. Infectious disease specialist at UKM Medical Centre, Assoc Prof Dr Petrick @ Ramesh K. Periyasamy said the JN.1 strain carries unique mutations that make it significantly more transmissible than previous subvariants. 'JN.1 features additional mutations in the spike protein, which may contribute to its ability to evade immune protection from previous infections or vaccinations. 'While there is no indication it causes more severe illness, its heightened transmissibility can lead to surges that strains healthcare systems.' Petrick said Malaysia, like many other countries, is currently facing conditions that could allow Covid-19 to resurface, such as declining booster uptake, relaxed public health protocols, increased indoor gatherings and fading public concern. Despite Malaysia's improved readiness compared with the early stages of the pandemic in 2020, he cautioned that public awareness of JN.1 remains low, and 'Covid fatigue' has made many individuals complacent. 'Covid fatigue is a real challenge. Many high-risk individuals, particularly the elderly, have yet to receive updated boosters and public awareness of newer variants like JN.1 remains low.' He identified several areas of concern such as systemic weaknesses, including limited genomic surveillance, reduced testing capacity and overall healthcare system fatigue. To mitigate potential risks, Petrick recommended reviving public awareness campaigns, reinstating accessible testing and preparing contingency resources such as personal protective equipment and oxygen reserves to ensure healthcare systems are prepared. He also urged the government to maximise the use of digital tools such as MySejahtera to issue alerts and track booster appointments. 'Digital platforms can play a key role in keeping the public informed and encouraging protective measures,' he added. Meanwhile, Malaysian Medical Association president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira echoed concerns about the nation's healthcare manpower capacity, warning that staffing shortages could compromise response efforts during a potential surge. 'One area we need to give particular attention to is manpower, as shortages can have an impact on the delivery of care,' he said. However, Kalwinder noted that Malaysia is better prepared than it was during early waves of the pandemic. He said pandemic preparedness has become a core topic within the medical fraternity, with the Health Ministry actively monitoring the situation and implementing preventive strategies. 'Covid-19 still poses a serious risk, especially among the vulnerable. We must stay vigilant. We are confident that the ministry and its agencies are taking appropriate steps to respond swiftly if cases rise again.'
Daily Express
21-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
Free influenza vaccination for senior citizens at selected Health Ministry facilities
Published on: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 Published on: Wed, May 21, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Appointments can be made via the MySejahtera application. - Bernama pic PUTRAJAYA: Senior citizens with at least one comorbid or chronic disease are advised to get the influenza vaccine for free through the Senior Citizen Influenza Immunisation programme at selected health facilities of the Ministry of Health. The ministry, in a statement today, said that to date, 65.16 per cent of senior citizens with comorbidities have received the influenza vaccine through the programme that began last Feb 18. It said there are still 56,237 vaccination appointment slots available through the programme. 'The public can get the influenza vaccine at government health facilities until the end of August 2025. Eligible senior citizens are advised to immediately make an appointment before the slots close,' read the statement. According to the ministry, the service is provided at 649 selected Health Clinics (KK) in the country, and the vaccine is provided free of charge. Appointments can be made via the MySejahtera application. Advertisement 'The public can also contact the nearest District Health Office, browse the official portal or MOH's social media, or personally go to the KK to obtain more information,' according to the ministry. For senior citizens who do not have access to MySejahtera, they can physically go to the listed KK to register and get vaccinated, subject to available slots. The ministry encourages senior citizens who attend follow-up treatment of chronic diseases at the relevant KK to take the initiative to obtain information and inquire about eligibility to receive the free influenza vaccine, if it has not been offered. It calls on senior citizens who have at least one comorbid or chronic disease, such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic respiratory disease or high blood pressure, to take this opportunity to obtain appropriate protection ahead of the infection season. Taking this vaccination is important to prevent serious complications and reduce the rate of hospitalisation due to influenza infection among high-risk groups, it said.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Free influenza vaccination for senior citizens at selected Health Ministry facilities
PUTRAJAYA: Senior citizens with at least one comorbid or chronic disease are advised to get the influenza vaccine for free through the Senior Citizen Influenza Immunisation programme at selected health facilities of the Ministry of Health. The ministry, in a statement today, said that to date, 65.16 per cent of senior citizens with comorbidities have received the influenza vaccine through the programme that began last Feb 18. It said there are still 56,237 vaccination appointment slots available through the programme. 'The public can get the influenza vaccine at government health facilities until the end of August 2025. Eligible senior citizens are advised to immediately make an appointment before the slots close,' read the statement. According to the ministry, the service is provided at 649 selected Health Clinics (KK) in the country, and the vaccine is provided free of charge. Appointments can be made via the MySejahtera application. 'The public can also contact the nearest District Health Office, browse the official portal or MOH's social media, or personally go to the KK to obtain more information,' according to the ministry. For senior citizens who do not have access to MySejahtera, they can physically go to the listed KK to register and get vaccinated, subject to available slots. The ministry encourages senior citizens who attend follow-up treatment of chronic diseases at the relevant KK to take the initiative to obtain information and inquire about eligibility to receive the free influenza vaccine, if it has not been offered. It calls on senior citizens who have at least one comorbid or chronic disease, such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic respiratory disease or high blood pressure, to take this opportunity to obtain appropriate protection ahead of the infection season. Taking this vaccination is important to prevent serious complications and reduce the rate of hospitalisation due to influenza infection among high-risk groups, it said.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Free flu shots for seniors at select Health Ministry centres
PUTRAJAYA: Senior citizens with at least one comorbid or chronic disease are advised to get the influenza vaccine for free through the Senior Citizen Influenza Immunisation programme at selected health facilities of the Ministry of Health. The ministry, in a statement today, said that to date, 65.16 per cent of senior citizens with comorbidities have received the influenza vaccine through the programme that began last Feb 18. It said there are still 56,237 vaccination appointment slots available through the programme. 'The public can get the influenza vaccine at government health facilities until the end of August 2025. Eligible senior citizens are advised to immediately make an appointment before the slots close,' read the statement. According to the ministry, the service is provided at 649 selected Health Clinics (KK) in the country, and the vaccine is provided free of charge. Appointments can be made via the MySejahtera application. 'The public can also contact the nearest District Health Office, browse the official portal or MOH's social media, or personally go to the KK to obtain more information,' according to the ministry. For senior citizens who do not have access to MySejahtera, they can physically go to the listed KK to register and get vaccinated, subject to available slots. The ministry encourages senior citizens who attend follow-up treatment of chronic diseases at the relevant KK to take the initiative to obtain information and inquire about eligibility to receive the free influenza vaccine, if it has not been offered. It calls on senior citizens who have at least one comorbid or chronic disease, such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic respiratory disease or high blood pressure, to take this opportunity to obtain appropriate protection ahead of the infection season. Taking this vaccination is important to prevent serious complications and reduce the rate of hospitalisation due to influenza infection among high-risk groups, it said.
