As Malaysia move closer to becoming an ageing nation, one urgent question arises, are we doing enough to protect our adult and elderly population? Most Malaysians associate vaccines with childhood, but in a country where seniors will soon outnumber children, this mindset needs to shift fast. Lifelong vaccination isn’t just a health issue it’s a national priority.

Vaccination is often viewed as something that ends with childhood. However, Malaysia is now experiencing a demographic shift, with senior citizens expected to dominate the population by 2050. This change will have major effects on our healthcare system. To prepare for the future, we need to make adult immunization a standard part of preventative care.

Here’s Why Malaysia Needs Lifelong Vaccination Now

While over 90% of Malaysian children receive protection against 13 major diseases, adults are still left vulnerable. Flu, pneumonia, and shingles continue to take toll on the elderly. Influenza alone costs the country RM3.3 billion annually mostly due to unvaccinated senior citizens. Cervical cancer, which is largely preventable with the HPV vaccine, remains one of the leading causes of cancer death in Malaysian women.

At the same time, the number of working adults is shrinking, while the elderly population is growing. This will strain the healthcare system and make it harder to fund treatments. Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic worsened immunization gap, with over 100 million adult vaccine doses missed between 2021 and 2022. Malaysia can’t afford to fall further behind.

Vaccines Keep Adults Healthy and Productive

Vaccines don’t just prevent diseases, but they reduce hospital visit, protect vulnerable groups, and boost productivity. Studies show flu shots reduce hospitalization risk by over 50% among diabetics, while pneumococcal vaccines lower pneumonia risk in people with lung disease by 41%. For those with heart conditions, it cuts the risk of death by 22%.

Widening HPV vaccination to boys and men could eliminate cervical cancer faster. Despite all this, vaccine uptake among adults remains worryingly low. In 2023, only 5% of Malaysian seniors received the flu vaccine, even though 47% of healthcare workers said the flu caused them to miss work. We must address the barriers stopping people from getting vaccinated.

What’s Holding Malaysia Back?

1. Lack of Policy Support:

Adult vaccines like flu and HPV aren’t part of Malaysia’s National Immunization Programme (NIP). As a result, coverage remains low, especially compared to other countries in the region.

2. Limited Access:

Rural areas experience stock shortages, and city dwellers often delay vaccines due to time or cost. Without easy access, adults simply don’t prioritize immunization

3. Vaccine Hesitancy:

Fear of side effects, misinformation about halal status, and distrust in vaccine safety fuel hesitation among Malaysians.

4. Misinformation:

Social media continues to spread dangerous myths, including belief in fake alternatives like “homeopathic vaccines.”

5. Gaps in Healthcare Providers:

Some healthcare workers lack training or don’t actively promote adult vaccines, while others may unknowingly spread false information.

If these issues go unresolved, Malaysia could face RM21 billion in elderly healthcare costs by 2040 nearly double the number of hospitalizations seen in younger age groups.

Lifelong Vaccination: A Smart Investment in National Health

Dr Wong Chuan Loo, Lecturer at the School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University

Malaysia needs a strong National Lifelong Vaccination Strategy to stay ahead. Here’s how we can make it work:

• Universal Access: Add adult vaccines (flu, pneumococcal, HPV) to the NIP. Use funds from “sin taxes” or public-private partnerships to make them affordable or free.
• AEFI Dashboard: Create a public platform to track and clarify vaccine side effects. Transparency builds trust.
• Electronic Registry: A centralized digital record can send reminders and track vaccine schedules for adults.
• Public Awareness: Train healthcare workers to be vaccination advocates. Collaborate with religious and community leaders to tackle myths and promote halal compliance.
• Workplace Vaccines: Offer tax breaks to companies providing flu vaccines to staff. This could save over RM90 per employee annually through better productivity.

Vaccines Should Protect You at Every Age

As Malaysia ages, vaccines must be more than a childhood memory, they must become a lifelong habit. Immunization is one of the most cost-effective ways to safeguard public health, reduce preventable illnesses, and maintain national productivity. Let’s make sure no Malaysian gets left behind, no matter their age.