JKNNS CALLS ON SENIOR CITIZENS TO GET FREE INFLUENZA VACCINATION TO AVOID COMPLICATIONS

SEREMBAN, April 14 (Bernama) -- The Negeri Sembilan Health Department (JKNNS) is calling on all eligible senior citizens in the state to take the opportunity to get free influenza vaccination as a preventive measure against serious infections and complications.

State Health director Dr Zuraida Mohamed said the active participation of the community is greatly appreciated and plays an important role in strengthening public health preparedness and reducing the burden of influenza disease in the state.

“The free influenza vaccination for senior citizens aged 60 and above and with at least one chronic illness (diabetes, respiratory disease, heart disease, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or chronic kidney disease) began on Feb 18.

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“This programme is voluntary and aimed at protecting high-risk populations from serious complications due to influenza infection including pneumonia, heart disease, and sepsis, which can potentially lead to hospitalisation or death,” she said in a statement here today.

This year alone, she said the Ministry of Health (MOH) has allocated 7,000 doses of influenza vaccine to Negeri Sembilan, and to date, only 2,597 senior citizens in the state have taken the jab.

Dr Zuraida said vaccination appointments can be made via the MySejahtera app or walk-in to the health clinics.

“However, the vaccination is subject to the availability of vaccine supplies at the facility concerned since the distribution of supplies is done in stages throughout the country,” she added.

-- BERNAMA