Thinking About a Flu Shot? Here’s What the Experts Say

Stella Kwan
Sep 23, 2025
3 min read

Experts say everyone who is eligible should get vaccinated against influenza this fall

Every year, influenza (flu) brings a significant health burden to Malaysia — hospital admissions, lost workdays, and serious complications among high-risk groups. With updated data from local and international research, here’s what Malaysians need to know about the flu vaccine this year.

Influenza in Malaysia: What You Need to Know

Not just a “common cold.” Influenza is a contagious respiratory infection that can cause high fever, cough, body aches, fatigue, and, in severe cases, pneumonia or death — especially among children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses (The Protectors).
Year-round activity. Unlike countries with a winter flu season, Malaysia experiences influenza all year, with two peak periods typically occurring each year (The Protectors).
Common peak months. Surveillance data shows higher case numbers around January and July (The Star).

Benefits of the Flu Vaccine

Research consistently shows that influenza vaccination provides clear protection for Malaysians:

Reduces Illness and Symptoms
A local study found that flu vaccination reduced influenza-like illness by 55–76% over six months in nursing home residents (Adult Immunisation, MSIDC).
Prevents Hospitalisation and Death
High-risk groups — older adults, people with chronic diseases, and dialysis patients — face greater complications. Yet a Klang Valley study revealed only 10.8% of hemodialysis patients had ever received a flu shot, despite high awareness (Cureus).
Cost-Effective Protection
Economic modelling shows that using a quadrivalent flu vaccine for older adults in Malaysia is highly cost-effective, preventing thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths while saving healthcare costs (Nature).
Community Protection
Vaccination protects not only the individual but also vulnerable people around them, helping reduce community spread (BMC Infectious Diseases).

Challenges in Malaysia

Despite these benefits, flu vaccination rates remain low:

Among hemodialysis patients, only 10.8% had ever been vaccinated despite 90% awareness (Cureus).
Older adults and people with diabetes show similarly low uptake (PMC).
Key barriers include misinformation (e.g., “the vaccine causes flu”), low perceived risk, and lack of strong recommendations from healthcare providers (PMC).

Who Should Get the Flu Shot

Health authorities recommend annual flu vaccination for:

Older adults (60 years and above) (MDPI)
Young children under 5 years (The Protectors)
People with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, or those on dialysis (Cureus)
Pregnant women, healthcare workers, and caregivers in high-exposure settings (Adult Immunisation, MSIDC)

Safety and Side Effects

The flu shot is safe. Mild effects such as soreness at the injection site, slight fever, or fatigue may occur but resolve quickly (BMC Infectious Diseases).
Serious adverse reactions are extremely rare, and the benefits far outweigh the risks (Adult Immunisation, MSIDC).

Tips for Staying Protected

Consult your doctor if you have allergies or previous vaccine reactions.
Get vaccinated annually, as flu strains change each year.
Maintain hygiene practices — regular handwashing and mask use when unwell can reduce spread.
Follow trusted sources like Malaysia’s Ministry of Health (MOH) and infectious disease societies for updates.

The flu shot isn’t just an option — for many Malaysians, it’s a vital layer of protection. Annual vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and lost productivity. Because influenza can strike year-round, getting vaccinated before peak seasons offers the best protection.