The Davao City government has called on Dabawenyo senior citizens to avail of influenza and pneumonia vaccine shots offered free by the City Health Office (CHO).
These vaccines may be accessed at the CHO or the health centers accessible to senior citizens.
Davao City Health Office chief Dr. Josephine Villafuerte said that they are prioritizing senior citizens because they are more vulnerable and likely to get respiratory illnesses.
“Our senior citizens can visit the CHO dispensary and the nearest health centers for the free flu and pneumonia vaccine.”
The CHO is administering the vaccine shots to senior citizens every Friday to avoid crowding and ensure that health protocols against Covid-19 are being followed.
She urged them to avail of the vaccines, especially that the rainy season is here and during this time, flu and respiratory diseases are very common.
Villafuerte said that the flu vaccine costs around P1,000 per vial while the pneumonia vaccine costs Php 2,000 if bought privately but are offered by the CHO for free.
CHO has more or less 5,000 vials of flu vaccine available for the senior citizens, while a limited supply of pneumonia vaccines.
The flu vaccine is administered yearly while the pneumonia vaccine is given every five (5) years. CIO