Health DG Dr Radzi maintains pertussis is under control, as the 329 cases reported this year as of Aug 19 are 52.8% lower than the same period in 2019. 55% of this year's cases were in Sabah, 33% among non-citizens. Vaccine coverage data was not provided.
Cases of vaccine-preventable childhood diseases in Malaysia spiked post-pandemic in 2022: pertussis (818%), diphtheria (80%), measles (63%). Paediatricians say even a small drop in vaccination rates disrupted herd immunity; cases may rise more this year.
The hexavalent combination vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b, with doses given at age two months, three months, five months, and 18 months.