The Manila Health Department (MHD) recently administered free flu vaccines for senior citizens of the capital.
The two-day program was scheduled from 8:30 a.m. till 5 p.m. on September 10 to 11 and held at the assembly hall of the Manila City Hall.
Around 300 senior citizen employees of City Hall were immunized during the first day of the program.
Another 200 senior employees were immunized during the second day.
Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso directed the MHD to administer the flu vaccination on Manila’s senior citizens, noting that seniors, especially those with existing health problems, are more susceptible to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Health experts are encouraging the public to get vaccinated for the flu amid the continued spread of the coronavirus in the country.
Flu vaccination matters even more during this time, with the MHD noting it will prevent the development of signs and symptoms similar to COVID-19, which can be mistaken for the flu.
The risk of one developing unnecessary anxiety because he or she might think they have COVID-19 disappears once they get vaccinated, said the MHD headed by Dr. Arnold Pangan.
Some of the signs of COVID-19 similar to flu include fever, cough, body aches, fatigue, and sore throat.
The public should not only be proactive in fighting COVID-19 but also other infectious diseases that continuously affect the lives of many Filipinos, the MHD said.
Although the flu vaccine cannot prevent COVID-19, it can still help protect even the most vulnerable among against complications from the disease, making it a beneficial option one can take advantage of to keep healthy, the department said.
“This was done in response to COVID 19 Pandemic, to support and provide protection for our Senior Citizen employees who are the vulnerable group against Influenza and its complication. Senior citizens should increase their immunity through a healthy and safe lifestyle like having yearly FLU Shots. This will greatly improve their resistance to SARS-COV2 – the cause of COVID 19 infection,” the MHD added.