Vaccination for People with Chronic Diseases

Strengthen your immune system with vaccination

Many Malaysian adults suffer from chronic diseases that somehow weaken their immune system, making them more susceptible to infections and their complications. When these occur, treatment can be particularly difficult, complicated and perhaps expensive, too.

This is why doctors are increasingly recommending that patients with chronic diseases be immunised. It will make it easier for you to care for your health without having to worry about vaccine-preventable diseases.

Chronic Lung Disease

Influenza (Flu)

• If you have chronic lung disease, influenza will worsen your condition.
• Yearly vaccination is recommended because the virus is constantly changing.

Pneumococcal Disease (PnD)

• Patients with COPD are more likely to suffer with invasive PnD.

Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 or Type 2)

As a diabetic, you are immunocompromised

Influenza (Flu)

• Raises your blood glucose to dangerously high levels due to your body’s immune response.
• Yearly vaccination is recommended because the virus is constantly changing.

Pneumococcal Disease (PnD)

• People with diabetes are at higher risk of getting PnD complications that can result in death.

Heart Disease

Influenza (Flu)

• Causes increased risk of heart attack due to plaque destabilisation in blood vessels.
• Yearly vaccination is recommended because the virus is constantly changing.

Pneumococcal Disease (PnD)

• Causes increased resistance to blood flow resulting in acute coronary syndrome (heart attack).

Chronic Liver Disease

Hepatitis A & B

• Cause further reduction in liver function and increased rate of cirrhotic damage.

Pneumococcal Disease (PnD)

• Increased risk of pulmonary complications, including pneumococcal sepsis that can result in death.
• Survivors may suffer from hearing loss, seizures, blindness or paralysis.