IF YOU’RE 60 OR OLDER, YOU CAN GET PNEUMONIA SHOTS FOR FREE!
Viral pneumonia is caused by various viruses, including influenza. It can be easily treated with proper nutrition and medication.
Atypical pneumonia is caused by different bacteria than the more common ones that cause pneumonia. It is characterized by inflamed or swollen lung tissue due to infection.
Then there’s bacterial pneumonia. It is caused by bacteria, the most common of which is streptococcus pneumoniae.
“Bacterial pneumonia is a vaccine-preventable disease,” stressed Dr. Roman.
When one is immunized against pneumonia, he/she may experience lower severity of the lung infection, thereby helping to increase the chances of survival from the disease and reducing the likelihood of hospitalization. ‘HUWAG MAHIHIYANG MAGTANONG’ As part of its advocacy to ensure the effective implementation of various programs and services for senior citizens, the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) joins the national government and the medical community in this campaign to raise awareness about the urgency of pneumonia vaccination, especially among senior citizens.
“Access to quality and affordable healthcare is important. As an organization, we are constantly looking for ways to make the well-being of every senior citizen our topmost priority,” says Samir M. Manzanilla, project development officer IV at the NCSC.
As per the DOH, all senior citizens aged 60 years old and above must receive the following vaccines for free: one dose of pneumococcal vaccine throughout their lifetime, and one dose of the flu vaccine every year. To ensure safety, all eligible senior citizens must be assessed and interviewed before their immunization to determine any contraindications.
The national government, through the DOH, is ramping up its immunization programs to help protect the elderly and is encouraging all eligible senior citizens to avail of the free pneumococcal vaccination from their local health centers.
Nacino appealed to the elderly not to hesitate to visit the nearest health center to inquire about receiving a free pneumococcal jab.
“Pwede pong gawin ng ating mga kababayan is pumunta po sa ating mga centers to inquire about the availability of these vaccines,” shared Nacino.
Adult vaccines, such as pneumococcal vaccines and flu shots, are also now available in local pharmacies and drugstore chains nationwide and can now be administered by pharmacists.
“Pneumonia is no joke,” said Ciriaco Angeles, president of the Provincial Federation of Senior Citizens Association of Cavite Inc.
Speaking to his fellow senior citizens, Angeles added: “Huwag mahihiyang magtanong (Don’t be afraid to ask questions). Let us strengthen our resolve to learn more about pneumonia and ask our family members, fellow senior citizens, and our local communities about the free pneumonia vaccinations in our barangay health centers.”