MPS president Amrahi Buang said expanding vaccination access points could help close access gaps when clinics run out of stock, especially during case surges.

“Limited clinic stocks and appointment bottlenecks during peaks push families towards emergency departments, whereas enabling trained pharmacists (to administer vaccines) provides additional, reliable access points and continuity of supply,” he said in a statement today.

Amrahi said pairing this with consistent school measures such as daily symptom checks and ensuring 24-hour fever-free periods before returning to class could curb transmissions without the need for blanket closures.

“We can ease the pressure on our emergency departments while protecting those most at risk,” he added.

Amrahi also called for the health ministry to codify a universal safety standard for all vaccinators, and to publish a weekly dashboard to guide public behaviour and resource allocations.

“These are practical steps we can maintain beyond this wave, so that families get timely protection and hospitals stay available for emergencies,” he said.

On Monday, education director-general Azam Ahmad said around 6,000 students at schools nationwide had been infected with influenza, prompting the closure of several schools.

He said closures were carried out in accordance with the procedures and guidelines set by the health ministry to ensure the safety of students, teachers and school staff.