A Malaysian consensus recommendation for the prevention of influenza in older persons

Tan MP 1 , Sekawi Z 2 , Abdul Manap R 3 , Razali RM 4 , Mahadzir H 5 , Nordin N 6 Show all authors , Koh KC 7 , Wong PL 8 , Hasmuk K 9 , Harrun NH 10 , Mokhtar SA 2

Affiliations 

  • 1 Ageing and Age-Associated Disorders Research Group, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Jalan Profesor DiRaja Ungku Aziz, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. [email protected]
  • 2 Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
  • 3 National University of Malaysia, Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia
  • 4 Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 5 Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Cheras, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 6 KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
  • 7 Poliklinik Kepong Baru, Kepong, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 8 Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 9 University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 10 Pandamaran Health Clinic, Pelabuhan Klang, Selangor, Malaysia
BMC Infect Dis, 2022 Dec 15;22(1):943.
PMID: 36522615 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07920-3

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Older persons are at high-risk of developing severe complications from influenza. This consensus statement was developed to provide guidance on appropriate influenza prevention strategies relevant to the Malaysian healthcare setting.

METHODS: Under the initiative of the Malaysian Influenza Working Group (MIWG), a panel comprising 11 multi-speciality physicians was convened to develop a consensus statement. Using a modified Delphi process, the panellists reviewed published evidence on various influenza management interventions and synthesised 10 recommendations for the prevention of influenza among the aged population via group discussions and a blinded rating exercise.

RESULTS: Overall, annual influenza vaccination is recommended for individuals aged ≥ 60 years, particularly those with specific medical conditions or residing in aged care facilities (ACFs). There is no preference for a particular vaccine type in this target population. Antiviral agents can be given for post-exposure chemoprophylaxis or when vaccine contraindication exists. Infection control measures should serve as adjuncts to prevent the spread of influenza, especially during Hajj.

CONCLUSION: This consensus statement presents 10 evidence-based recommendations that can be adopted by healthcare providers to prevent influenza among the aged population in Malaysia. It could also serve as a basis for health policy planning in other lower- and middle-income countries.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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