World Immunisation Week, observed in the last week of April annually, serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of vaccines in safeguarding public health. This year’s theme is ‘Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible’, which suggests that immunisation is not just about disease prevention; it is a vital pillar of national health security, economic stability, and overall well-being [1].
In Malaysia, initiatives such as the National Immunisation Programme (NIP) [2] and the integration of vaccination records in MySejahtera [3] demonstrate the government’s commitment to ensuring widespread vaccine accessibility. These efforts have played a significant role in reducing the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases, thereby fostering a healthier and more resilient society.
Evolution of Immunisation Strategies
As infectious diseases evolve, so too must our immunisation strategies. The recent approval of the Dengvaxia vaccine in certain regions signifies a step forward in tackling the country’s high dengue burden [4]. Similarly, the expansion of HPV vaccinations under the National Immunisation Programme [5] helps prevent cancers caused by the virus in the younger generation, further demonstrating the role of immunisation in addressing emerging public health threats.
Additionally, climate change contributes to shifts in disease patterns, with increasing temperatures and erratic rainfall creating optimal conditions for vector-borne diseases like malaria and Japanese encephalitis [6]. This demands changes in our approaches and further development of vaccines (such as Dengvaxia) coupled with robust disease surveillance, and climate adaptation strategies in mitigating these risks.
Vaccine Equity and Access Challenges
While Malaysia has a well-established immunisation programme, global disparities in vaccine access persist. Countries with limited resources struggle with vaccine shortages, high costs, and logistical barriers, impacting their ability to achieve herd immunity.
In response, Malaysia has actively contributed to regional health security by participating in global initiatives such as COVAX, ensuring the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Moreover, the government continues to explore local strategies and innovative approaches to improve vaccine accessibility, such as expanding mobile vaccination units for rural communities and leveraging digital platforms like MySejahtera for seamless appointment scheduling and record-keeping.
Vaccine Hesitancy and Misinformation
Despite the proven benefits of immunisation, vaccine hesitancy remains a challenge. Psychological factors such as fear, misinformation, and distrust in health authorities contribute to lower vaccine uptake, especially among children whose worried parents may have concerns [7]. In Malaysia, social media platforms have become a double-edged sword—while they help disseminate health information, they also facilitate the spread of vaccine myths and conspiracy theories.
To combat misinformation, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has taken proactive steps, such as launching public education campaigns. Healthcare professionals, influencers, and community leaders also play a critical role in addressing vaccine hesitancy by providing clear, science-based information and engaging in open discussions with the public. Additionally, individuals can actively contribute by critically evaluating and sharing only credible, scientifically backed health information.
Conclusion: How Malaysians Can Support Vaccine Advocacy
Vaccination extends beyond individual protection—it is a collective responsibility that strengthens public health, economic stability, and resilience against future outbreaks. Malaysians can contribute to immunisation advocacy by:
- Keeping up with their vaccinations and encouraging family members to do the same.
- Educating others by sharing credible vaccine information from MOH, WHO, and MySejahtera.
- Participating in immunisation outreach programmes or supporting initiatives that provide vaccines to underserved communities.
As Malaysia continues its journey towards a healthier future, immunisation remains a cornerstone of national and global health security. By advocating for vaccines, we take a proactive step towards a safer, more disease-resilient nation.
Jean Ann, Dietetics Intern
References
Rodrigues CMC, Plotkin SA. Impact of vaccines; health, Economic and Social Perspectives. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2020 Jul 14;11(1526).
Immunise4life. The Malaysian National Immunisation Programme (NIP) [Internet]. Immunise4Life. 2021. Available from: https://immunise4life.my/the-malaysian-national-immunisation-programme-nip/
MySejahtera [Internet]. MySejahtera. Available from: https://mysejahtera.moh.gov.my/ms/
MPA Administrator. KPJ Damansara Launches Malaysia’s First Dengue Vaccine – The Malaysian Paediatric Association [Internet]. The Malaysian Paediatric Association. 2024 [cited 2025 Feb 16]. Available from: https://mpaeds.my/kpj-damansara-launches-malaysias-first-dengue-vaccine/
Human Papillomavirus – Malaysian Society of Infectious Diseases & Chemotherapy [Internet]. Available from: https://adultimmunisation.msidc.my/human-papillomavirus/
Caminade C, McIntyre KM, Jones AE. Impact of recent and future climate change on vector-borne diseases. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 2019 Aug 18;1436(1):157–73.
Dubé E, Laberge C, Guay M, Bramadat P, Roy R, Bettinger JA. Vaccine Hesitancy. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics [Internet]. 2013 Aug 8;9(8):1763–73. Available from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.4161/hv.24657
