Immunisation implemented in Malaysia since 1982, with second dose introduced in 2004 for optimum protection
PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has assured the public that the vaccine used in the measles-rubella Supplementary Immunisation Activity (MRSIA) is safe and effective, addressing concerns and misinformation.
It said the vaccine is being reintroduced through MRSIA to ensure children receive full protection.
“Common adverse effects such as fever, rashes, itching or reactions at the injection site are usually mild and resolve quickly.
“Only a small number of recipients experience serious effects, but the risk is far lower compared with severe complications resulting from measles or rubella infections,” it said in a written reply to the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
The ministry emphasised that immunisation against measles has been implemented globally since 1963, and in Malaysia since 1982, with a second dose introduced in 2004 to ensure optimum protection.
It added that in terms of efficacy, a single dose provides more than 95% protection and two doses ensure long-term immunity and help achieve elimination targets.
“The World Health Organisation and (other) countries, including Malaysia, continuously monitor adverse events following immunisation to ensure the safety of vaccines.”
The ministry is also boosting parental confidence through communication and advocacy strategies, including strategic communication, health education and communityengagement.
“Information is shared via social media, websites, TV, radio, infographics, short videos and interactive sessions with health experts.
“During the MRSIA period, the ministry published over 45,000 updates, reaching hundreds of thousands nationwide, and collaborated with religious leaders, community figures and influencers to build public trust.”
Meanwhile, continuous health education programmes in schools, clinics and communities reached over 1.1 million parents and children through talks, counselling, demonstrations and small group discussions.
“Health personnel are also trained in risk communication to deliver vaccination messages accurately, consistently and empathetically to the community.”
The ministry also works with the Education Ministry, schools and community organisations to expand health communication and monitor misinformation to address vaccine-related fake news.
Through these efforts, the Health Ministry aims to boost vaccine acceptance based on factual information and community trust, ensuring the public receives accurate guidance while protecting overall health.
The ministry launched a nationwide MRSIA from August until Oct 12, offering a third dose of the vaccine to children aged six to 59 months born between Aug 1, 2020, and Jan 31, 2025.
The ministry’s disease control division said the main objective is to increase immunisation coverage and provide early protection to prevent further transmission.
Malaysia’s MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) immunisation coverage has exceeded 95% annually, including last year.
However, only 62% of districts achieved this target in 2024.
Measles cases nearly doubled, from 2,002 in 2023 to 3,791 last year, while outbreaks rose to 231 in 2024 from 112 the previous year.
Children under five accounted for 44.1% of cases, while 28.9% involved non-citizens, of which 84.3% were unvaccinated.
Three deaths were reported last year, involving unvaccinated non-citizen children aged eight months, three years and 17 years.
Under the National Immunisation Programme, the MMR vaccine is administered at nine and 12 months, with Sabah providing an additional measles dose at six months.
Parents and guardians are urged to take eligible children to receive the additional dose for free.
Appointment dates would be sent via MySejahtera, or parents could schedule their own appointments through the app.
Eligible children could also walk in at public health clinics.
