Give Yourself and Your Loved Ones the Gift of Protection with a Flu Shot

As the holidays roll in, so does flu season — and for older adults, the stakes are high. Doctors are urging seniors to get their influenza vaccination now, before year-end travel and gatherings drive cases up. It’s a simple step that can save lives by reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and even death.

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON

FEATURED EXPERT PROFESSOR DR ZAMBERI SEKAWI Senior Consultant Clinical Microbiologist and Chairperson of the Malaysian Influenza Working Group (MIWG)

“Influenza isn’t just a bad cold. In older persons, it can mean pneumonia, heart attacks, or strokes,” said Professor Dr Zamberi Sekawi, Chairperson of the Malaysian Influenza Working Group (MIWG). “Vaccination gives you a fighting chance.”

WHERE CAN YOU GET VACCINATED?

There are two options.

• At GP clinics nationwide for a small fee.
• Through the Ministry of Health’s Special Influenza Vaccination Programme
  • Free for seniors aged 60 and older with at least one chronic illness
  • Appointments can be booked via the MySejahtera app
  • Subject to availability

WHY OLDER ADULTS WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS VACCINATION

FEATURED EXPERT PROFESSOR DR TAN MAW PIN Consultant Geriatrician Faculty of Medicine Universiti Malaya

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seniors make up 70% of flu hospitalizations and 90% of flu-related deaths.

Flu Symptoms in Older Adults Can Be Hard to Recognize

Part of the danger is that symptoms in older adults don’t always look like the usual fever and cough.

“Instead, you may feel dizzy, confused, or weak — which can cause falls or delirium,” explains Professor Dr Tan Maw Pin. “By the time it’s recognized as influenza, it may already be severe.”

Loss of Strength, Mobility, and Independence

Hospitalization and prolonged bed rest can also rob older adults of muscle strength, mobility, and independence — changes that aren’t always reversible.

Financial and Emotional Stress

Families also face financial and emotional strain when caregiving needs rise.

HENCE, VACCINATION IS THE BEST SHOT FOR PROTECTION

• The flu vaccine has protected millions worldwide for more than 70 years.
• Yearly vaccination reduces the risk of serious complications like pneumonia, strokes, and heart attacks.
• Some studies even suggest it lowers dementia risk in older persons.

Because influenza strains change every year, last year’s shot isn’t enough. “You need a new vaccine every year to stay protected,” says Professor Dr Zamberi.

HENCE, DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE

Experts stress that seniors shouldn’t delay.

“The window to protect yourself is now,” Professor Dr Zamberi emphasizes. “If the free MOH doses run out, GP clinics are ready to vaccinate for a small fee.”