DOH says more flu vaccines underway | ABS-CBN

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DOH says more flu vaccines underway

DOH says more flu vaccines underway

Raphael Bosano,

ABS-CBN News

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MANILA —The Department of Health on Thursday said it is procuring more influenza vaccines as local governments continue to ramp up efforts to immunize senior citizens against the seasonal illness. 

In a televised interview, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said public reception to the flu vaccine is favorable.

“We're procuring already. At least na release na yung ating budget for 2025 may flu vaccines na naman tayong bibilhin. And we wil supply those na nagkukulang,” he said.

“There are some regions mas mabilis makaubos. Eh ayoko naman na kunin dun sa iba yung unused kasi ginagamit nila yun. Estimated yun sa population nila,” Herbosa added.

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The City of Mandaluyong is among those awaiting more supplies from the DOH. But as it waits, it is also working on its own supplies as the demand rises.

“Sa annual investment plan natin for 2025, nagawa na po. Ipepresent na lang sa budget. Ang mahirap po kasi, kung lahat ay bibigyan natin, mauubos po ang budget sa flu vaccine. Eh, marami pa po tayong health programs like non-communicable diseases,” Dr. Blu Pielago of the City Health Office explained.

Mandaluyong has seen more influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in 2024 compared to the year prior.

Similarly, Antipolo City has observed the same. From 5,400 in ILI in 2023, the figure rose to 6,020 last year. In the first two weeks of 2025, City Health Officer Dr. Concepcion Lat says they have recorded 245 infections.

Lat explains why the public should not take ILI for granted.

“Pwede silang magkaroon pa rin ng pneumonia pag napabayaan, pwedeng maospital, pwede ring mamatay. So kaya tayo nagsasagawa ng flu vaccination upang maproteksyunan ang ating senior citizens kasi sila yung most vulnerable age group na tamaan ng flu-like illnesses,” she said.

Experts explain the flu vaccine can help prevent complications and severe disease. But this should be coupled with eating healthy food, exercise and practicing minimum health standards.

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