Pneumonia vaccine for Pasig's elderly residents

MANILA, Philippines - Pasig City, through Mayor Robert Eusebio, purchased anti-pneumonia vaccines as part of its wellness program for the elderly population.

A total of 5,000 vials of MSD’s pneumococcal polyvalent vaccine (PPV) will be administered free to senior citizens in Pasig. One dose of the vaccine is recommended to protect against 23 of the most prevalent or invasive types of Streptococcus pneumoniae, known as the most common bacterial cause of community-acquired pneumonia.

Pneumonia remains as one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the country, and the elderly are among those most at risk for acquiring the disease because of their compromised immune system. Aside from pneumonia, pneumococcal infection can also lead to other serious diseases such as bacteremia (infection in the blood) and meningitis (infection in the brain). But the chances of acquiring pneumonia caused by Strep. penumoniae can be reduced by a vaccine. Serious pneumococcal disease may be prevented by this pneumococcal vaccine. It is recommended that adults over the age of 50 receive a shot of the vaccine.

Currently, the national average for pneumococcal vaccination of senior citizens remains low. To address this gap, the city of Pasig has been conducting elderly vaccination against pneumonia since 2008. Vaccinating the elderly population not only shields individual citizens but also promotes the benefits of herd immunization within the community: When more citizens are protected against Streptococcus pneumoniae, they act as barrier so that non-vaccinated members have a better chance of not contracting the disease.

Aside from the immunization drive against pneumonia, there are other social service initiatives of Pasig that directly benefit the elderly. These include promoting the use of a facility where they can engage in recreation and meetings, and which includes a health clinic; additional cash benefits in the amount of P1,500 to P2,000; and building a shelter for elderly Pasigueños who have no one to care for them. More, members of the general constituency receive benefits such as the deployment of additional mobile clinics equipped with x-ray and laboratory facilities, putting up of Botika de Pasig where citizens can purchase affordable medicines, bigger subsidy for Pasig residents at the Rizal Medical Center, and continuing the Home Care Service program that donates free wheelchairs and medicines, among other laudable health and hospitalization programs.