KUALA LUMPUR: GSK, a science-led global healthcare company, is doing its part to spread awareness on vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) and bridge the vaccination gap in Malaysia.
GSK Malaysia vaccines medical director Dr Thanabalan Fonseka said vaccinations were vital as a foundation of building up immunity against VPDs, especially for infants and young children.
"Vaccination provides considerable benefits to individuals and society. It continues to provide protection to our children against some diseases, by strengthening their immunity from birth.
"However, there has been a change in demographics and a shift in disease burden to adults when it come to some diseases , and these have called for new vaccination strategies," he told a sharing session at One World Hotel near here today.
The company recently launched The Protectors website (https://theprotectors.my/) to educate Malaysians on VPDs, how it spreads, symptoms, and its impact on health.
Dr Thanabalan said to address this gap, lifelong immunisation strategies was vital.
"GSK works with healthcare professionals and medical institutions nationwide. We engage with community leaders to ensure that the people know how important it is for every one to receive their vaccine."
The National Immunisation Programme (NIP) was designed based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in 1974, which initially recommended immunisation against six diseases.
"However, like most countries, Malaysia expanded its NIP to 12 major childhood VPDs, including Haemophilus influenzae type B, Hepatitis B and pertussis (also known as whooping cough).
"Despite the Immunisation Schedule of the NIP in Malaysia being provided free of charge at all government clinics and hospitals, the country has seen a rise in VPDs over the last few years," he said.
Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Cardiologist Dr Yong Junina Fadzil, pointed out the importance of maternal immunisation, and vaccines to prevent of rotavirus infection.
"There is a common misconception that rotavirus infection only affects underdeveloped countries and dirty premises. This is untrue. Outbreaks are seen in first world countries and even at well-managed pre-schools and nurseries as the virus is highly infectious.
"Children can receive more than one vaccine at a time, including for diphtheria, whooping cough, influenza, pneumococcal and rotavirus vaccines," she said, adding that immunisation in children will last depending on the vaccine and disease.
Dr Yong said misinformation was another challenge because some Malaysian parents refuse to get their children vaccinated after believing what they read on social media.
"Nobody is countering such false information. As a doctor, I always explain in detail about such matters to parents in order to educate them."
GSK Malaysia and Brunei's Director of Communications, Government Affairs & Strategic Customer Solutions, David Lin said the company targets to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people over the next decade.
"GSK supplies more than 20 vaccines to more than 120 countries to help protect people from a range of diseases throughout their lives."
"Our strong pipeline is underpinned by a broad portfolio of technology platforms, that will ensure we continue to deliver highly innovative vaccines," he said.
