Taguig launches free flu shots for 120K senior citizens
The Taguig City government has launched its free flu vaccination program targeting about 120,000 senior citizens, shielding them from deadly pneumonia and other complications.
The vaccination drive, branded “Sa Taguig, FLU-tektado sina Lola at Lolo!,” kicked off May 11 and will run until May 15 and May 18 to 22 in designated vaccination sites across the city.
“Hindi na po kami makapaghihintay pa dahil ang panganib po na dulot ng pneumonia at mga komplikasyon ay nakamamatay (We cannot wait any longer because the risk of pneumonia and complications is fatal),” Mayor Lani Cayetano said at the ceremonial vaccination at the Taguig Center for the Elderly in Barangay North Signal.
The city purchased its own vaccine supply, with Cayetano warning that pneumonia deaths spike during June and July.
The vaccines being administered are Influvac Tetra Quadrivalent manufactured by Abbott.
Before vaccination, senior citizens undergo health assessments. Those with fever, cough, colds, ongoing antibiotic intake, or recent vaccination from certain vaccines may be advised to temporarily defer shots depending on medical assessment.
Possible side effects of the vaccine are mild fever, body pain, headache, and swelling or redness at the injection site, which usually subside within one to two days.