THE NATIONAL Influenza Immunisation Programme for senior citizens in Malaysia will officially begin on February 18.
Deputy Health Minister, Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, announced that senior citizens can begin booking appointments for their flu vaccinations starting February 14 through the MySejahtera application.
The Health Director-General has confirmed the launch date for this nationwide program, which aims to provide influenza vaccinations to citizens aged 60 and above at selected healthcare clinics.
The initiative is expected to benefit around 170,000 senior citizens across the country.
Minister Lukanisman urged the elderly population to participate in the program to help improve their health and well-being.
“We encourage the public, particularly senior citizens, to take part in this vaccination initiative for their protection,” Lukanisman said, adding that the Ministry welcomes any collaboration with the private sector or local governments to support the rollout of the programme.
Meanwhile, Lukanisman highlighted that the Ministry of Health is committed to improving healthcare services by upgrading dilapidated healthcare facilities nationwide.
Currently, 455 clinic upgrade projects are underway, including 41 projects in Kedah. These upgrades are part of the broader healthcare transformation efforts designed to provide better medical services to the public.
“Improving healthcare facilities is a continuous priority, and we expect these upgrades to lead to enhanced healthcare delivery for the community,” he said.
Additionally, Lukanisman introduced the concept of the Wellness Hub, a facility designed to encourage healthy living, distinct from a traditional health clinic. The Wellness Hub focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle and hosts various activities to engage the public.
“There are currently 33 Wellness Hubs operating nationwide, including three in Kedah. The goal is for these hubs to become integral to healthcare development, alongside hospitals and clinics, as part of the 13th Malaysia Plan,” he explained.
This year, nine more Wellness Hubs are scheduled to be launched, with three in Kedah undergoing upgrades. Other locations for new or upgraded Wellness Hubs include Putatan, Sabah, Hulu Langat in Selangor, Northeast Penang, Sandakan, Muallim in Perak, Sibuti in Sarawak, and Kuala Selangor, Alai in Melaka, and Muar.
Through these efforts, the Health Ministry aims to support the nation’s health and well-being while fostering greater public engagement in preventive healthcare. – February 9, 2025
