Low vaccine uptake rates among senior citizens in the country have prompted welfare groups, including the Philippine Coalition of Consumer Welfare, to call for the government's effort to provide free flu vaccines for all seniors.
In a statement on Friday, May 10, Philippine Coalition of Consumer Welfare Inc. founder Ricardo Samaniego stressed the low vaccine uptake is primarily due to a lack of awareness and high costs of vaccines.
It was noted by experts that the low vaccine uptake rates among seniors, despite flu being one of the leading causes of mortality among seniors.
Experts estimated that up to 85 percent of flu-related deaths occur in individuals aged 65 years and above.
In addition, only 36.3 percent of adults aged 60 and older are vaccinated against influenza.
Due to that fact, the welfare groups reiterated the importance of free health services for the most vulnerable.
On the other hand, Lead Convenor of grassroots organization Bayan Bakuna Roderick Alapar underscored the importance of providing free vaccines for seniors to “promote a healthy aging society and align with the current administration's 8-point agenda.”
"Our government needs to start strengthening immunization efforts for our elderly population to promote a healthy aging society," Alapar said.
According to the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, the Department of Health (DOH) was tasked with providing free influenza and pneumococcal vaccines for indigent senior citizens.
Citing this vision, the welfare group said that some cities in Metro Manila, such as Makati and Taguig, have been providing free flu shots to all senior citizens effectively increasing vaccine uptake rates in those areas.
Given this, the welfare groups have argued for a universal right to cover all senior citizens in the country.
The consumer advocates also called for the inclusion of other appropriate vaccines in the government's free vaccination program.
“Providing free elderly flu vaccines around May and June, before peak flu season to ensure our healthcare system is prepared,” it said.
The group also mentioned dedicated budget allocations for seniors within the Annual National Budget Expenditure of the Government (GAA).
“These measures not only promote healthy aging but also ensure robust protection against vaccine-preventable diseases,” it added.