By Azian Aziz
GOMBAK, Nov 13 — A total of 5,000 individuals comprising the elderly, those aged 60 and below and people who are at risk of contracting diseases are targeted to receive the free pneumococcal and influenza vaccines beginning today.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said as a start, the vaccines will be provided to the elderly in nursing homes.
“Soon, we aim to expand the recipients to those aged below 60, followed by those with health issues, including severe breathing problems.
“Each individual will get two vaccine injections, namely pneumococcal and influenza. The total free vaccines we will provide are 10,000 doses (5,000 doses respectively),” he said, after his visit to the Selcare vaccination programme at Taman Keramat Permai, earlier today.
Amirudin added the free vaccine programme will be continued next year, if public response is good.
“If the responses are good, I could include it in next year’s (state) budget, as we are still formulating the expenses, we could schedule it on November 25,” he said.
On November 10, Amirudin announced that 10,000 doses of free vaccines will be given out by the state government, to ensure the health protection of those at risk.
He said the first phase, which begins on November 14 until December 31, will target elders in nursing homes, senior citizens, and Iltizam Selangor Sihat cardholders.
