Kota Kinabalu: The Kota Kinabalu Area Health Office is offering free influenza vaccinations to Malaysian citizens aged 50 and above to help reduce the risk of health complications among senior citizens.
Telipok Health Clinic medical officer Dr Nur Farahin Mohd Din said the initiative focuses on preventing influenza-related complications, particularly lung infections, among the elderly.
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“At private clinics, the vaccine can cost around RM90, but the government is providing it free of charge to eligible groups as an early protection measure.
“This effort is important to ensure senior citizens, especially those living in rural villages, are not left behind in receiving healthcare protection,” she said when met during the Program Satelit Khas Kenduri Rakyat Madani on Saturday.
Dr Nur Farahin said the influenza vaccine is also available at health offices nationwide.
Apart from vaccination services, the programme also offered Body Mass Index (BMI) checks, blood pressure screenings and blood sugar tests.
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“If there are concerning readings, we will issue referral letters for further examination, including fasting blood sugar tests,” she said.
She added that community outreach programmes remain important as many villagers are still unaware of the healthcare services provided by the government.
“Sometimes even when promotions are carried out at clinics, there are still villagers who do not know about these facilities.
“Through community programmes like this, we can approach them directly and ensure healthcare services reach the target groups,” she said.
Meanwhile, vaccine recipient Steven Bedo, 60, described the programme as very helpful, especially for villagers facing transportation difficulties in accessing healthcare services.
“I usually go to the Kiulu Health Clinic. Sometimes I need to hitch a ride and pay RM5 one way.
“A return trip costs RM10, so when they come directly to the village, it really helps,” he said.
