Quezon city: Senior health advocates on Thursday 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 appeal follows the Quezon City government’s report that ILIs have surpassed the epidemic threshold, with 152 cases reported from August 31 to September 13.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PHAPI) has 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 expressed concerns over uncertain vaccine allocations from the national government. She urged LGUs to immediately coordinate with the Department of Health (DOH) for available allocations or, if none are provided, to procure vaccines locally and roll out vaccination drives before cases surge further.
Health experts highlight that seniors face the highest risk of severe flu complications, including pneumonia and heart attacks, with hospitalization costs ranging from PHP10,000 to PHP30,000. Household transmission rates can reach 13 to 32 percent, as flu spreads aggressively among school-age children. Older persons who live with or help care for grandchildren who may unknowingly bring the virus home are 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. Asoy also urged families to accompany their elderly loved ones to barangay health centers to inquire about vaccine availability, noting that community demand can help LGUs prioritize vaccination programs and ensure that seniors are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Bayan Bakuna, a grassroots senior citizens’ organization, aims to promote the welfare of the elderly through productive legislative collaborations. The organization has developed a position paper advocating for the implementation of Republic Act 9994, also known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, which includes the advocacy for free influenza and pneumococcal vaccines for indigent senior citizens.