As Malaysians adjust to life amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Immunise4Life is rallying medical bodies, NGOs and influential individuals together to drive ‘Making Flu Prevention My New Normal’ – a nationwide online pledge campaign urging us all to protect ourselves and our loved ones from influenza.

The public will see highly-respected medical experts, popular social media influencers, and well-loved artistes supporting the cause through an exciting programme of activities.

They will range from inspiring videos and impactful public service advertisements to educational media interviews, write-ups, and even online concerts!

Notably, the high-profile advocates will display a unique twin-hearts emblem on their palms symbolising flu prevention as an act of love.

Their message to the nation is to get vaccinated against the flu every year while also practising good personal hygiene and leading a healthy lifestyle to keep the disease at bay.

Members of the public are invited to start ‘making flu prevention their new normal’ by clicking the online pledge button on www.actoflove.ifl.my.

The campaign, which aims to achieve 300,000 pledges by October, is supported by the Ministry of Health Malaysia to make flu prevention a priority.

According to Professor Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail, Technical Committee Chairman of the Immunise4Life (IFL) programme, making a personal pledge to prevent the flu could turn out to be a life-saving decision for ourselves and our loved ones.

He said, “The ‘Making Flu Prevention My New Normal’ campaign echoes the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) call to not lose sight of influenza and other significant public health issues amid the current preoccupation with COVID-19.”

He added: “WHO estimates that about 1 billion flu cases occur every year, out of which 3 to 5 million are severe, and result in up to 650,000 deaths worldwide.  It recommends that high-risk groups – namely young children, pregnant women, chronic disease patients, and older persons – be vaccinated every year for their protection.

“WHO has stated that annual flu vaccination is the best tool – coupled with good hygiene and a healthy lifestyle – to prevent influenza infection, severe disease and related life-threatening complications.”

Professor Dr Zamberi Sekawi, Chairman of the Malaysian Influenza Working Group, believes that ‘Making Flu Prevention My New Normal’ comes at a very timely moment.

He said, “After months of restricted movement, Malaysians are now easing back into their daily life routines, albeit under the so-called ‘new normal’.  However, there is a risk of catching the flu as people increasingly mingle with each other at work, in school, shopping malls.  This may even contribute to a surge in flu cases in the coming months.  We can take necessary precautions – namely, by getting vaccinated against the flu – to protect ourselves.”

As part of their commitment to prevent the flu, various organisations have come forward to participate in the campaign; they will promote it to their respective members/constituents and the general public.

The solid front of partners includes the Department of Social Welfare Malaysia (Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat, JKM), Rotary Club District 3310, Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), Malaysian Association of Kindergartens (PTM), Malaysian Association of Registered Childcare Providers (PPBM), National Council of Senior Citizens Organisations Malaysia (NACSCOM), University of the Third Age, and AgeCope.

Organisations that wish to support the cause can contact matters@ifl.my for information.

The campaign is further strengthened by the personal endorsement of popular social media influencers and celebrities, such as Scha Alyahya, Awal Ashaari, Alyssa Dezek, Jeryl Lee Pei Ling, Dr Say Shazril, Debbie Goh, Betty Rahmad, Douglas Lim and Dr Halina Mohd Yunos, among others.

The ‘Making Flu Prevention My New Normal’ campaign is organised under the Immunise4Life programme, in collaboration with Malaysian Influenza Working Group (MIWG) with support of the Vaccination Is Protection initiative.

‘Making Flu Prevention My New Normal’ is the continuation of the major ‘Flu Prevention is an Act of Love’ campaign that was launched in 2019 by Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali and remains Malaysia’s largest influenza prevention campaign since 2009 when the A(H1N1) flu pandemic swept the world.

The Immunise4Life programme was established in 2013 by Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), Malaysian Paediatric Association (MPA) and Malaysian Society of Infectious Diseases & Chemotherapy (MSIDC).

For more information about Immunise4Life visit www.immunise4life.my