Immunization: Make it lolo and lola’s New Year’s resolution

As we grow older, our immune systems gradually weaken, leaving us more susceptible to illnesses that might have been manageable in our younger years. 

For senior citizens, the flu – often dismissed as a simple nuisance that comes with the colder season – poses a grave threat. Left unchecked, it can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death, especially among those who remain unvaccinated. 

The fact is influenza remains a leading cause of mortality in the elderly, but sadly, only 36.3% of Filipino adults aged 60 and older are vaccinated against it. It’s an alarming statistic that demands our immediate attention.

This is why we continue to advocate for annual flu vaccination, particularly for our lolos and lolas. It’s a critical measure to reduce the severity of symptoms, lower the risk of hospitalization, and prevent fatalities among seniors. The vaccine equips the immune system to combat the ever-evolving strains of the influenza virus, significantly mitigating its impact. 

For those with comorbidities, flu vaccination isn’t just a protective measure; it’s a lifeline.

A whole-of-society approach for timely immunization

Timing is everything when it comes to flu vaccination. Ideally, seniors should be vaccinated before the flu season begins, which in our country typically starts around June. Early vaccination ensures that their immune systems are fortified against the virus when it’s most active, reducing the likelihood of severe outcomes. 

If we can help them start the new year with a flu, we not only protect our seniors but also enable them to enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle with their loved ones throughout the year. 

Unfortunately, despite its proven benefits, flu vaccination rates among Filipino seniors remain dismally low. Addressing this gap requires a concerted effort from families, communities, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike.

Ensuring that all Filipino seniors have access to life-saving vaccines demands a whole-of-society approach.  Families play a pivotal role in encouraging their elderly loved ones to get vaccinated, while public health campaigns must prioritize building vaccine confidence and making vaccines easily accessible, particularly in underserved areas, to fulfill this responsibility.

Grassroots efforts like those spearheaded by the Raising Awareness on Influenza to Support Elderlies (RAISE) Coalition, in partnership with the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV), have been making significant strides in this direction.  

Since its inception in 2022, the RAISE Coalition has worked tirelessly to empower communities, advocate for preventive healthcare, and build vaccine confidence, especially among high-risk groups such as senior citizens.

Protecting our elders is a shared responsibility 

Looking ahead, the message is clear: vaccination saves lives! Protecting our senior citizens from the flu is not just a medical necessity, but it should be a moral imperative for us. By ensuring timely immunization, we can help our lolos and lolas enjoy more quality time with their families and contribute to their communities without the looming threat of preventable diseases.

As we greet 2025 together, let us commit to safeguarding our elders by encouraging them to get their annual flu shots. As the flu season approaches, now is the time to act – to prevent illness, protect lives, and promote wellness.

For those seeking more insights on this critical issue, I invite you to tune in to the upcoming episode of Okay, Doc! where I delve deeper into the importance of immunization for senior citizens. In this special episode, “Kick Off the New Year with Flu Protection for Seniors,” I’ll be speaking with esteemed experts and fellow immunization advocates, such as Dr. Lulu Bravo, Executive Director of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV), Dr. Rontgene Solante, RAISE’s Lead Convenor, and former Health Undersecretary and PFV President Dr. Enrique Tayag. 

Together, let’s explore how timely vaccination can save lives and discuss the ongoing efforts to ensure that no senior citizen is left vulnerable to preventable diseases.

Let’s start the new year on a positive note by prioritizing the health and well-being of our senior citizens. After all, a healthier nation begins with healthier communities – and that begins with us.

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