Vaccines Are Like Insurance – Providing Protection with Every Shot

While vaccination for seniors is crucial, concerns remain—particularly in the wake of COVID-19. Reports of rare side effects such as allergic reactions, blood clots, and myocarditis have led to hesitation among some members of the public.

Dr. Chin Ai-Vyrn, Consultant in Geriatrics and Internal Medicine at Subang Jaya Medical Centre, explains: “Vaccines are like insurance—you reduce your risk of infection once you get vaccinated. Even if you do get infected, the severity and risk of complications are significantly reduced.”

He notes that many people misunderstand how vaccines work.

“Vaccines don’t inject harmful chemicals—they train your immune system to recognise harmful viruses, like the flu virus, and fight them off early, reducing the chance of severe disease.”

Unless you are allergic to the vaccine, side effects tend to be mild, such as redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site, or a slight fever. These are common and typically resolve within a day or two. They are signs that the immune system is responding appropriately.

Most vaccine side effects are mild unless you're allergic, explains Dr. Chin.

Why Elderly Malaysians Need Vaccines

There is a common misconception that vaccinations are only for children. In reality, as we age, our immune systems weaken—a condition known as immunosenescence—which makes older adults more vulnerable to infections.

Diseases like influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19 can be especially dangerous for seniors, often resulting in hospitalisation or death. According to Malaysia’s Department of Statistics, pneumonia became the country’s leading cause of death in 2023, surpassing heart disease. Over 60% of pneumonia-related deaths involved individuals aged 60 and above.

Shingles Vaccine May Reduce Dementia Risk

In addition to protecting against infection, some vaccines may offer unexpected benefits. A study by the University of Oxford found that seniors who received the Shingrix shingles vaccine had a 17% to 27% lower risk of developing dementia within six years. Another study from Wales reported a 20% reduced dementia risk over seven years for those vaccinated against shingles.

Recommended Vaccines for Seniors in Malaysia

Dr. Chin recommends the following vaccines for seniors, with the flu vaccine being the top priority. He explains that the flu virus can change every year through a process known as antigenic drift. This results in changes to the virus’s surface proteins, making it less recognisable to the body’s immune system. As a result, last year’s flu vaccine may not be effective against this year’s strain.

He strongly recommends the following vaccines for elderly Malaysians, especially those with chronic conditions:

• Influenza Vaccine – Annual vaccination is crucial due to yearly changes in the flu virus.
• Pneumococcal Vaccine – PCV15 followed by PPSV23, spaced one year apart.
• Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix) – Two doses for those aged 50+, spaced 2–6 months apart.
• RSV Vaccine – One dose for individuals aged 75+ to prevent respiratory syncytial virus infections.

Tip: Consult a geriatrician to discuss vaccine suitability based on your medical history.

Supplements vs. Vaccines: What’s the Difference?

Some believe that supplements such as Vitamin C, Vitamin D, or zinc can replace vaccines. However, Dr. Chin cautions that while supplements support the immune system, they do not offer targeted protection against specific viruses.

“Supplements improve overall immune function, but only vaccines can train your body to recognise and fight off viruses like influenza or COVID-19,” he says.

For example, while Vitamin C may help the immune system function better, it doesn’t provide long-term immunity against the flu virus or COVID-19. In contrast, vaccines prompt the immune system to develop long-term memory, allowing the body to recognise and respond quickly when it encounters the same virus again. Therefore, supplements can support the immune system’s basic function but cannot offer the long-term protection that vaccines provide.

Protect Your Future Health – Get Vaccinated

With the government now offering free flu shots for seniors in Malaysia, there’s no better time to prioritise your health. Vaccines are a safe and proven way to reduce the risk of hospitalisation, disability, and death in the elderly.

Talk to your doctor or geriatrician today about the vaccines that are right for you.

Source: Oriental Daily