Seniors urged to get free anti-pneumonia vaccination
As part of its nationwide efforts to prevent pneumonia among the elderly, the Department of Health (DOH) continues its pneumococcal disease immunization campaign in line with the implementation of its Expanded Immunization Program for Senior Citizens.
The program encourages senior citizens, aged 60 and 65 years old, to avail of free pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination being administered in their community health centers. In collaboration with the local government of Angeles City, the DOH administered the free vaccination to over 250 senior citizens of the same age groups during the event.
“Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines have been long available in the Philippines, specifically in the private sector,” noted Dr. Leonita Gorgolon, DOH cluster head for Central Luzon and the Visayas. “The DOH ensures that there are enough resources and access to life-saving medicines and services, particularly for Filipinos who need them most.”
The vaccination consists of two doses: senior citizens aged 60 years old will be given the first dose and will receive the second dose after a five-year interval. On the other hand, senior citizens aged 65 years old will receive one dose.
Pneumococcal disease is a leading cause of serious illness throughout the world. It is caused by a common type of bacteria, the Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can attack different parts of the body. Illnesses caused by pneumococcus include pneumonia, meningitis, middle ear and sinus infections, and a condition called sepsis, which is an infection of the bloodstream. As one ages, there is an impairment of the immune system compounded by a decrease in physical activity and poor nutrition which all contribute to an increased risk for severe pneumococcal infections.
In the Philippines, community-acquired pneumonia, which is one of the manifestations of pneumococcal disease, tops the list of medical cases submitted for PhilHealth claims coverage nationwide last year. From January 1 to December 31, 2015, a total of 676,094 claims were paid worth around P9.7 billion. Statistics from the DOH also consistently point to pneumonia as one of the leading causes of mortality among Filipinos, along with heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. As such, pneumonia is also the leading vaccine-preventable death in the country.
Immunization with pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine helps protect people from invasive pneumococcal infections. The World Health Organization recommends the use of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine for the elderly and other at-risk groups.
“Let us choose to equip ourselves with available medicines that we are fortunate to have in this generation. We are encouraging our senior citizens to visit our nearest health facility and avail of free pneumococcal vaccination,” said Gorgolon.