The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Tuesday, Oct. 19, underscored the need to reach out to senior citizens who have yet to receive their jabs against coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Citing data from the Department of Health (DOH), PRC said that 3.4 million seniors in the Philippines have not been vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Vaccine hesitancy remains a problem especially among the elderly in both far-flung and densely-populated communities,” PRC said.
With this in mind, the PRC urged seniors to “get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
According to PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Senator Dick Gordon, it is very important to get vaccinated “as soon as the vaccine is available to you.”
“Hinihikayat ko na kayo na magpabakuna na kaagad (I encourage you to get vaccinated right away),” Gordon said.
“Hindi mahalaga kung aling tatak dahil lahat ng bakuna na mayroon tayo sa bansa ay ligtas at mabisa sa paglaban sa COVID-19 (It doesn’t matter which brand because all the vaccines we have in the country are safe and effective in fighting COVID-19),” he added.
Gordon also reminded that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the only way for the country to reach herd immunity.
PRC said that the World Health Organization (WHO) noted that “seniors are the most at risk” when it comes to COVID-19 --- especially now with the ongoing Delta Variant.
“This is the reason why seniors should be prioritized as they can have the most severe effects when infected by COVID-19,” PRC added.
Those who are interested in COVID-19 vaccination may call 1158 or send an email at [email protected].