Pinoys above 60 need pneumonia vaccine

An expert from the University of the Philippines (UP) urged people above 60 years old to be vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia, especially this Yuletide season when they are prone to the illnesses because of the cold weather.

"Vaccines should somehow be part of the elders’ world. In Japan, people above 60 years old are being immunized against flu and pneumonia. I hope we can do that here," said Dr. Lulu Bravo, executive director of UP’s National Institute of Health.

Bravo made the call after learning that The STAR publisher and columnist Maximo Soliven died of pneumonia yesterday in Japan.

"I was really so shocked and sad that he passed away because he was my favorite (columnist) and I just saw him as a speaker in Philippine General Hospital last week," she told The STAR.

In its website, the Atlanta-based Center for Disease Control and Prevention defines flu as "a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses." The flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

According to Bravo, the elderly are susceptible to flu during the cold season primary because of their age. The condition can progress to pneumonia and other infections.

"I think the best gift that we can give our elders this Christmas season is a vaccine against flu and pneumonia," she added.

Each dose costs P1,000 to P1,500 and with an effectivity period of one year.