Selangor: Foreigners and refugees in Selangor have been excluded from the influenza immunisation programme, as revealed by the State Legislative Assembly. The programme, administered by the state government in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH), focuses on healthcare workers and senior citizens aged 60 and above with at least one comorbidity, contingent upon the availability of vaccines.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin highlighted that individuals outside the eligible groups, including foreigners and refugees, are advised to seek the influenza vaccine at private health facilities offering the service. This clarification came in response to Mohd Shafie Ngah (PN-Sungai Ramal), who inquired about the provisions for such groups under the public influenza immunisation programme in Selangor.
Furthermore, Jamaliah mentioned that the state government is contemplating the expansion of the programme to five additional districts, depending on health assessments conducted by the Selangor State Health Department. Should the expansion occur next year, the focus will be on selected primary schools in districts currently not covered, prioritising locations with specific risk factors.
Jamaluddin elaborated that factors such as the rate of influenza infection, population density, and the availability of vaccination facilities will be considered. The expanded programme will also target vulnerable and high-risk groups, including the elderly and those with chronic diseases. This information was part of her response to Muhammad Izuan Ahmad Kasim (PH-Kota Damansara) regarding the potential district-wide expansion by 2026.
On November 2, Jamaliah announced the state government's plan to launch a free influenza vaccination programme in the coming week targeting four districts-Petaling, Klang, Gombak, and Hulu Langat-where infection rates are highest. The programme aims to vaccinate 12,500 students from B40 families with a budget allocation of RM1 million.