KUCHING, AUG 29: Health authorities have taken proactive steps to safeguard the well-being of expectant mothers and newborns with the launch of an extensive whooping cough (Pertussis) vaccine campaign, specifically tailored for pregnant women.
This initiative addresses the mounting concern over rising whooping cough cases, particularly among infants.
Deputy Minister of Health of Malaysia, Lukanisman Awang Sauni, highlighted the elevated risk faced by infants below five months old, who are vulnerable to severe complications or even death due to this highly contagious respiratory ailment.
“A total of 343 cases and 24 deaths have been recorded, with 173 cases occurring among babies aged five months and below.
“Hence, there’s an urgent need to administer vaccinations for infants, although situation in Sarawak remains manageable,” he said.
Lukanisman revealed that the implementation of this initiative is estimated to cost the government RM25 million annually and is intended to benefit around 500,000 pregnant women nationwide.
Upon implementation, all pregnant women, irrespective of their citizenship status, will be provided with a complimentary dose of the T-DAP vaccine during their second or third trimester of pregnancy (13 to 36 weeks) at public primary healthcare facilities nationwide.
Furthermore, he noted that the vaccination campaign is set to commence in 2024, contingent on the procurement of T-DAP vaccine supplies. Subsequent updates will be disseminated as the campaign progresses.
Previously, the ministry had urged parents to ensure their children adhere to the government’s vaccination program to safeguard them from pertussis. – TVS
