THE Penang government has launched a supplementary immunisation activity (SIA) against measles and rubella, targeting more than 65,000 children aged six to 59 months in the state.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi said the campaign, which runs from Aug 4 to Oct 12 in line with the national drive, aims to strengthen herd immunity and support Malaysia’s goal of eliminating measles by 2030.
“The additional immunisation is crucial to protect children born between Aug 1, 2020 and Jan 31, 2025, as measles and rubella are highly contagious and can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, seizures and even death,” he said during a press conference in Komtar today.
Gooi said statistics showed worrying trends at both national and state levels.
“Malaysia recorded 3,791 measles cases in 2024 compared with 2,002 cases in 2023, with outbreaks doubling from 112 to 231. Three deaths were reported last year, all involving unvaccinated children.
“In Penang alone, 84 cases were reported in 2024, up from just 20 the previous year. This year, up to July 26, we have already recorded 24 cases, with almost half linked to incomplete immunisation,” Gooi said.
As of Aug 19, 29.9 per cent of the state’s target group, or 19,600 children, had received an additional dose.
“This shows many children are still unprotected, and we must step up efforts to make sure all are vaccinated,” he stressed.
Gooi also urged the parents and guardians to act swiftly for jabs.
“I urge all parents to bring their eligible children for the free vaccination. Appointments can be booked through MySejahtera or by walking into government health clinics. Outreach teams are also going to kindergartens, community centres and non-citizen settlements to ensure no child is left behind,” he said.
He also appealed to local leaders to play their part.
“The role of community leadership is vital to ensure every eligible child is truly protected from these preventable diseases,” Gooi said, adding that the jabs are only available in government clinics.
State Deputy Health director (Public Health) Dr Rozaini Mat Shah said that measles usually begins with a rash that spreads across the entire body.
“Other common symptoms include fever, runny nose and headaches. In severe cases, the infection can lead to complications such as hearing loss or even blindness before requiring admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
“It may also spread easily, as one infected person may transmit measles to between 12 and 18 others, making it more contagious than Covid-19,” she said.
Dr Rozaini said the Health Ministry is strengthening immunisation programmes to achieve elimination.
“Malaysia already has a high rate of immunisation, but supplementary efforts are necessary to close the gap,” she said, adding the first two measles vaccines were compulsory at nine months and 12 months of age, while the current supplementary dose is an added protection for the children.
Also present were Senior Principal assistant director (Communicable Disease Control Division) Dr Noor Farhana Mohd Fathil, Principal assistant director (Communicable Disease Control Division) Dr Lau Chun Kiet and Principal assistant director (Family Health Development Division) Dr Siti Raidah Mohammed Yassin.
Story and pix by Edmund Lee