In rush to fight Covid-19, don’t forget common flu jabs for old folks, say NGOs

 

According to health NGOs, people over the age of 65 tend to be more susceptible to the flu and its effects. (AP pic)

PETALING JAYA: Several medical bodies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have reminded doctors not to overlook other medical needs of older people during the Covid-19 pandemic, saying that flu vaccination should also be prioritised.

The Malaysian Influenza Working Group said the focus on Covid-19 should not overshadow the fact that many older Malaysians had been stricken and killed by a more common, persistent and equally deadly infectious disease – influenza or the flu.

“The flu shares many similarities with Covid-19. Both are contagious respiratory illnesses that spread through nasal and salivary droplets and exhibit similar symptoms.

“The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the flu claims 290,000 to 650,000 lives annually, with approximately 90% of the deaths occurring among senior citizens. In Malaysia, a local study has indicated that those above the age of 65 infected with influenza-like illnesses are at a 10% greater risk of mortality.

“People over the age of 65 tend to be more susceptible to the flu and its effects. Their immune systems become less able to activate the immune cells needed to clear the influenza virus from the lungs,” it said in a statement supported by 18 medical associations and NGOs, including the Academy of Medicine Malaysia, Malaysia Healthy Ageing Society and Malaysian Health Coalition.

Unfortunately, the association said, the uptake of flu vaccines in the country was still low, with a distribution rate of only 7.48 doses per 1,000 population.

“It is our belief that everyone has a role to play in protecting older persons from the flu. As such, we urge all healthcare professionals to actively advise their older clients to get vaccinated and reassure them of its safety and effectiveness.

“Malaysia is moving steadily towards becoming an ageing nation. As such, it is vital that we start putting in place the measures needed to ensure the health and well-being of our senior citizens, for example, working towards achieving WHO’s flu vaccination coverage target of 75% among senior citizens,” it added. - FMT