JULY 14 ― I read with gratitude the many articles published recently with regards to vaccination in the media. Articles like these are the first step towards engaging the public and restoring confidence in the many benefits of vaccination.

It is important, however, to ensure that vaccination advocacy efforts do not end up merely preaching to the choir i.e. people who already believe in vaccination.

Convincing self-appointed anti-vaccination champions or their advocates may be a lost cause and less effort should be spent there although inaccuracies in their claims should be debunked as recently done by the Director-General of Health.

The bulk of our resources and energy should be focused on engaging the many who remain on the fence with regards to vaccination. This segment of society may currently be doubtful and unsure but given the right information through the right channels, they may decide to do the right thing in vaccinating their children.

Reaching this group will require comprehensive engagement and advocacy work at the grassroots level. In today's society, there is considerable scepticism towards authority and expert figures.

As such, successful engagement with the public will require the co-operation of trusted, admired and relatable figures such as local celebrities, pop culture icons as well as community leaders.

Engagement with grassroots-level community and religious leaders will also be vital to ensure that information and advice is provided by trusted sources in a manner that is tailored to specific communities.

Successfully winning over the undecided will be essential to building up the critical mass of vaccinated people needed for herd immunity.

While work is being done to inform and engage the public, it is also essential for the health authorities to ensure that current vaccination activities, at health facilities and schools are continually reviewed and assessed for effectiveness and robustness.

It is vital to ensure that current vaccination activities remain excellent and do not ever provide any cause for complaint or criticism. Current vaccination activities are also an excellent platform for public engagement and the dissemination of accurate information to children, parents and teachers. 

On a final note, the great importance of supporting the Health Ministry's work in vaccine advocacy cannot be overemphasised.

I encourage every individual to contribute towards this cause. Too many lives will be put at risk if we do not come together as a society and act in the interest of the greater good.

* Mark Cheong is a lecturer with the School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia.

** This is the personal opinion of the writer or organisation and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.