PETALING JAYA - Senior citizens are urged to get their annual flu shot and continue complying to the standard operating procedures (SOP) to avoid the risk of medical visits and hospitalisations.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali said the US Centres for Disease Control data (CDC) showed that up to 70 per cent of hospitalisations and 85 per cent related to the flu occurred in those aged 65 years or older.
"Flu is a respiratory disease that can infect older people severely and (spreads) fast and getting the annual flu shot could prevent financial and emotional distress that comes with the flu and its complications.
"The World Health Organisation said the annual flu shot is one of the best ways to not only protect you from a severe infection and outcome caused by influenza viruses, but also contributes towards a healthy ageing journey," he said.
He said this during the launch of the "Preventing the Flu at 65 and Beyond" campaign organised by Immunise4Life (IFL) at Hilton Hotel, here, today.
Dr Noor Azmi also unveiled the 'Seven Keys to Happy and Healthy Ageing' for senior citizens to help them maintain their health, independence and quality of life.
He also reminded the public to continue observing SOPs such as wearing face masks, frequent hand washing and keeping a distance from those exhibiting respiratory symptoms.
Meanwhile, IFL Technical Committee chairman Professor Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail advised older citizens to adopt a proactive attitude and get their flu shot instead of waiting for an outbreak.
"Do not wait for an outbreak before getting a flu shot, instead make it an annual commitment.
"Do not underestimate the flu because it only takes a single infection for you and your loved ones to suffer devastating long-term consequences," he said.
He also called on everyone to support the older generations in flu prevention through an all-of-society approach.
"Let us remind our aged parents to get their flu shot every year. Healthcare workers out there, get yourselves vaccinated and persuade your patients to do the same," he said.
The launch of the campaign will be followed by a series of educational activities coinciding with World Heart Day, International Day of Older Persons, World Diabetes Day and the year-end holiday season.