An infectious disease expert encouraged senior citizens to get vaccinated to protect themselves against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The elderly people are among the most at risk of contracting the viral illness, said Dr. Edsel Salvana, member of the Department of Health (DOH) Technical Advisory Group.
"Marami pong namamatay sa COVID kaya ang importante ay protektahan natin iyong at highest risk for dying at alam po natin ito iyong mga seniors natin at iyong may mga kapansanan, mga chronic illnesses (Many people die due to COVID so it is important that we protect those who are at highest risk of dying such as our senior citizens, those with disabilities, and those with chronic illnesses)," said Salvana during a public press briefing on Friday, May 28.
Latest data from the DOH showed that 1,174,191 seniors already got their first dose, while 195,952 elderly people are now fully vaccinated.
"Kailangan lang po talaga nating makumbinsi kasi ngayon, I think hirap din ang mga tao na mag-convince sa ating mga seniors (We just really need to convince them, but of course, some people are having a hard time in convincing our seniors)," said Salvaña.
"Pero kung sasabihin po natin sa kanila, well you know, kung maraming seniors na nabakunahan na, baka hindi na natin sila kailangang ikulong sa bahay dahil protektado na po sila. Siguro baka mas magaganahan po silang magpabakuna sooner rather than later (But if we tell them that if many seniors have already been vaccinated, they may be allowed to go outside because they are already protected. Maybe they will be encouraged in getting vaccinated sooner than later)," he added.