Senior health advocates recently called on local government units (LGUs) to protect high-risk groups like the elderly against influenza-like illnesses (ILIs), emphasizing that delayed vaccination could lead to severe and costly flu complications.
This, after the Quezon City government reported that the ILIs have surpassed the epidemic threshold, with 152 cases reported from August 31 to September 13.
The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PHAPI) also reported a 10-percent increase in patient admissions, noting that hospitals are ‘mostly full’ as the rainy season intensifies. Bayan Bakuna lead convenor Mikaella Jeleene Salinas Asoy said vaccine allocations from the national government remain uncertain.
‘LGUs should immediately coordinate with the DOH [Department of Health] for available allocations or, if none are provided, procure vaccines locally and roll out vaccination drives before cases surge further,’ she said in a statement.
According to health experts, seniors face the highest risk of severe flu complications, including pneumonia and heart attacks.
Hospitalization costs for such ailment can range from P10,000 to P30,000.
Household transmission rates can reach 13 to 32 percent, with flu spreading aggressively among school-age children. Older persons who live with or help care for grandchildren who may unknowingly bring the virus home become at a greater risk.
‘The reported spike in cases highlights the urgent need for preventive measures,’ Asoy said.
‘Vaccination remains the most proven, cost-effective way to protect the elderly population,’ she added.
She urged families to accompany their elderly loved ones to barangay health centers and inquire about vaccine availability.
She noted that such community demand can help LGUs prioritize vaccination programs and ensure that seniors are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Bayan Bakuna is a grassroots senior citizens’ organization that aims to promote the welfare of the elderly through productive legislative collaborations.
It developed a position paper advocating for the implementation of Republic Act 9994, also known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, including advocacy for free influenza and pneumococcal vaccines for indigent senior citizens.