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Despite high awareness and positive attitudes towards influenza vaccination, too few older Malaysians are actually receiving their annual flu jab, according to health experts
A 2025 nationwide survey involving 672 Malaysians aged 60 and above found that while 74% were aware of influenza and 76% viewed the vaccine positively, only 29% had ever received the shot.
Even among those vaccinated, only about half said they get vaccinated every year.
The survey was conducted collaboratively by the Ministry of Health, the Malaysian Influenza Working Group, and several local public universities.
In conjunction with National Immunisation Day on 7 May, the Malaysian Society of Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy (MSIDC) and the Malaysian Medical Association Foundation-Infectious Diseases Fund (MMAF-IDF) are now urging high-risk adults, especially senior citizens and those with chronic illnesses, to get vaccinated ahead of Malaysia's mid-year influenza season.
Last year, the Health Ministry offered influenza vaccines at selected government clinics and hospitals for adults aged 60 and above with at least one chronic illness
This year, according to MSIDC and MMAF-IDF, the programme has been expanded to include adults aged 50 to 59 with at least one chronic illness, as well as all adults aged 60 and above regardless of health status.
The vaccine is also available at GP clinics and private hospitals nationwide for a fee.
Members of the public are encouraged to check vaccine availability at government healthcare facilities or make appointments through the MySejahtera app.
MSIDC president Professor Dr Zamberi Sekawi said influenza vaccination remains one of the most reliable ways to reduce severe illness and complications, particularly among high-risk groups
He noted that unlike countries with distinct winter seasons, influenza circulates throughout the year in Malaysia.
"Influenza vaccination has been used for decades with a well-established safety profile, and continues to be a dependable way to reduce complications and the need for hospitalisation," he said.
Meanwhile, Lung Foundation of Malaysia chairperson Professor Dr Roslina Manap highlighted that many older Malaysians are already living with chronic health conditions that increase their risk of severe influenza.
According to data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2025, 68% of adults over 60 have at least two non-communicable diseases (NCDs), while about 30% live with all three major conditions: diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
She said individuals with heart disease face up to five times higher risk of influenza-related death, while people with diabetes are up to three times more likely to die and six times more likely to be hospitalised due to complications.
"Because of this, many clinicians emphasise that vaccination should be considered a standard part of managing chronic conditions, not just an optional preventive measure," she said.
Malaysian Society of Geriatric Medicine immediate past president Professor Tan Maw Pin said ageing naturally weakens the immune system, making infections like influenza harder to recover from
She cited a retrospective study conducted at the University Malaya Medical Centre, which found that nearly one in three individuals aged 65 and above experienced serious outcomes such as hospitalisation, ICU admission, or death within a year due to influenza-related illnesses or complications.
"For many older persons, serious illness can take a toll not just physically, but also emotionally and financially, affecting their independence and quality of life," she said.
She added that annual influenza vaccination is one of the simplest ways to help older adults maintain their health, independence, and overall wellbeing.
