60% of senior citizens with comorbidity have received flu jab

 The health ministry says there are still 57,000 vaccination appointment slots up for grabs at government health clinics until the end of August.

The programme, which offers senior citizens free flu jabs, is expected to benefit more than 170,000 people across the country. (File pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 The health ministry says 59.47% of eligible senior citizens with comorbidities have been vaccinated against influenza as of April 20.

It said there are still 57,093 vaccination appointment slots up for grabs at government health clinics until the end of August.

“Eligible senior citizens are encouraged to book an appointment as soon as possible before the slots are filled,” it said in a statement.

The programme, launched on Feb 18, provides free flu jabs to Malaysians aged 60 and above who suffer from at least one chronic disease.

The service is offered across 649 government health clinics, and appointments may be made via the MySejahtera app.

“Alternatively, individuals may contact their nearest district health office, visit the official ministry website or social media channels, or go directly to a participating clinic for more information.

“For seniors without access to the MySejahtera app, walk-in registrations and vaccinations are allowed at designated clinics, subject to available slots,” the ministry said.

It was previously reported that the vaccination programme is purely voluntary and would benefit more than 170,000 senior citizens across the country. - FMT