Various groups from the govemment, medical community, and civil society have joined forces to launch a coalition that seeks to promote the welfare of senior citizens and push for the universal
access of the elderly to flu vaccines
Dubbed the Raising Awareness on Influenza to Support Elderlies (RAISE), the group was launched in partnership with the Pasay City LGU slong with other sectoral representatives who are calling for the amendment of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act in a bid to provide free flu vaccines to all senior citizens nationwide
Prior to the launch-proper, the event was kicked off with free flu vaccination and COVID-19
booster shots for more than two hundred senior citizens of Pasay City
Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV) President Dr. Rose Capeding emphasized the urgency of giving access to flu vaccines to the elderly, highlighting the vulnerability of the population to life threatening complications if infected with influenza
“Getting vaccinated against influenza is the first line of defense for our lolos and lolas,” said Dr
Capeding “giving them free flu vaccines, regardless of status, gives them a fighting chance.”
Dr. Gene Solante added that, among other complications, older Filipinos afflicted with the flu
have a higher risk of heart attack by three to five times and stroke by two to three times in the
first two weeks of infection.
We also have to remember that we’re still in a pandemic, which means that senior citizens also Still run the risk of COVID-19 co-infection,” Dr. Eric Tayag from the Rotary Club Philippines added.
Among those part of the RAISE Coalition are the Senior Citizens’ Partylist, represented by Congressman Rodolfo Ordanes, and the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), who Dined the chorus of expressing their support to help spread awareness among senior citizens garding the necessity of flu vaccines.
is the obligation of the government to provide free vaccines for those who need them the most.” said NCSC chairperson Atty. Franklin Quijano. “Immunization is the name of the game, nd the NCSC is proud to be working with the RAISE coalition to bring awareness on the gnificance of flu vaccines among our elders.”During a manifestation of support, Roderick Alapar, the convenor of Bayan Bakuna, underscored the gravity of dispelling fears associated with getting inoculated amongst older Filipinos.
“Marami parin takot sa ating mga senior citizens, kailangan natin ipagpatuloy ang pagkumbinsi at pag-assure sakanila na ligtas at kailangan nila magpabakuna laban sa trangkaso” said Alapar.
Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, a known champion of senior citizens, highlights the
importance of making sure flu vaccines reach each and every senior citizen in the country.
“Importante po na hindi lang dito sa Pasay City ang adhikaing ito,” said the Mayor “we must do everything we can to protect the same people who dedicated their lives to raising the next generation.”
After the launch, the coalition plans to engage with other various LGUS and civil societies to
push for universal access to flu vaccines. Among them is an effort to tap lawmakers on possible
measures in support of flu vaccination among the elderly as well as a possible collaboration with
the DOH on flu vaccination initiatives at the local level
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