Each year, a whopping 15% of Malaysians get infected by influenza [1]. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a significant public health concern, causing 3 – 5 million severe respiratory cases and 290,000 – 650,000 respiratory-associated deaths worldwide [2]. Recognizing this dire need for public health protection, Qualitas Health has partnered with Hello Doktor to administer a quadrivalent influenza vaccine to the public. Appointments for this flu vaccine in Malaysia can be made via the Qualitas Plus App. This initiative aims to prevent severe health outcomes associated with contracting influenza, including reducing the number of influenza-associated hospitalisations and influenza-associated deaths.
Why It’s Important To Get Vaccinated For Influenza
With a 5-10% increase in new influenza cases among adults and 20-30% increase in new influenza cases among children, it is imperative to take action to stop the spread [3]. While flu symptoms are typically mild and manageable, they can lead to severe respiratory illnesses (e.g., pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, myocarditis, seizures etc.) and even death among those vulnerable – such as the elderly, children, and immunocompromised individuals [1, 2]. For instance, a local study by Pang et al. (2021) found that approximately 10% of hospitalised pneumonia patients (114/1106) were influenza-positive and out of the 184 patients admitted to intensive care or high-dependency units (ICU/HDU), 13.2% were influenza-positive [4].
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccination is the most effective strategy to prevent influenza and its comorbidities [2]. Here are the key reasons to get vaccinated:
- Reduces Flu-Related Complications: Influenza can lead to severe health complications, especially in the elderly, children, and those with weakened immune systems.
- Prevents Hospitalizations and Deaths: Vaccination reduces influenza symptom severity, significantly lowering the risk of flu-related hospitalisations and deaths.
- Herd Immunity: Vaccination helps protect those who cannot get vaccinated, such as infants and individuals with certain medical conditions.
- Reduces Healthcare Burden: By stopping the spread of influenza and preventing severe flu cases, the flu shot helps reduce the burden on healthcare systems, especially during peak flu seasons.
- Decreases Absenteeism: Fewer flu cases mean less time missed from work and school, contributing to better productivity and fewer disruptions.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
Certain groups are at higher risk for severe influenza and its complications [1,3]. These include:
- Individuals aged 50 and above.
- Children aged 6 months to 5 years.
- Pregnant women.
- Individuals with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma.
- Individuals with immunosuppressive conditions/treatments, such as individuals with HIV and individuals receiving chemotherapy or steroids.
- Healthcare workers and caregivers who are at higher risk of exposure and transmission.
The Influenza Vaccine: A Public Health Solution
The influenza vaccine provided in Qualitas Health clinics is a quadrivalent influenza vaccine that provides immunity against four strains of influenza viruses: A/(H1N1), A/(H3N2), B/(Victoria), and B/(Yamagata) [5]. The vaccine is updated annually to provide protection against the four most common influenza strains predicted for the upcoming flu season [5].
- Administration: Influenza vaccines are available at Qualitas Health clinics.
- Dosage: Typically, one dose of the influenza vaccine is required per year. For children under 9 years old who have never been vaccinated, or for immunocompromised individuals, two doses may be needed, with the second dose administered at least 4 weeks after the first. Consult your doctor on how often you should get vaccinated.
- Eligibility: Suitable for individuals aged 6 months and up. The vaccine should not be administered to individuals with a fever or infection.
- Side Effects: Side effects of the influenza vaccine are usually mild and include pain at the injection site, fatigue, and headache, which typically resolve within a few days.
- Immunity: Immunity is achieved approximately 2-3 weeks post-vaccination.
For more information, view our FAQs.
The Impact of Influenza Vaccines
The flu shot has been demonstrated to effectively reduce the severity of influenza symptoms, hospitalisations, and deaths. One such study by the Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section found that getting vaccinated reduced the likelihood of contracting influenza-like illness from 45% to 19% in patients aged 65 and above [6]. Moreover, the same study found that vaccinations reduced mortality following hospitalisation for pneumonia and influenza by 47% [6].
Special Promo: Influenza Vaccine at RM80 Only!
Protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu by getting vaccinated. All you need to do is present this code [999551] to the clinic receptionist to get your influenza vaccine at a discounted rate! The influenza vaccine offers comprehensive protection against the most common influenza strains, keeping you healthy, active, and out of the hospital. You can book your vaccination through the Qualitas Plus app, ensuring a seamless and convenient process. Simply download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and schedule your appointment.
For more information, visit here.
References:
[1] V. Lim, Ed., “Influenza – Malaysian Society of Infectious Diseases & Chemotherapy,” Malaysian Society of Infectious Diseases & Chemotherapy, Sep. 2020. https://adultimmunisation.msidc.my/influenza/#:~:text=All%20healthcare%20workers%20should%20receive
[2] “Influenza (Seasonal),” World Health Organization , Oct. 03, 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwzIK1BhAuEiwAHQmU3rYAiUPrS2QhpPTF99YVlgCIh_DTf1jO2S2-A1OGRAFd7J8LVqfUWhoCm-kQAvD_BwE (accessed Jul. 31, 2024).
[3] “Influenza (seasonal),” World Health Organization, 2024. https://www.who.int/health-topics/influenza-seasonal#tab=tab_1
[4] Y. K. Pang et al., “Influenza in Malaysian adult patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma: a multicenter, active surveillance study,” BMC Infectious Diseases, vol. 21, no. 1, Jul. 2021, doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-021-06360-9.
[5] “Influvac Tetra 2024,” National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency , 2024. Available: https://quest3plus.bpfk.gov.my/front-end/attachment/511/pharma/518537/V_89272_20240126_114304_D3.pdf
[6] A. Shaharudin, “Influenza Vaccination for the Elderly and Economic Evaluation,” Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section, 2019. Available: https://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/database_stores/attach_download/347/346