Why Our Elders Should Be Vaccinated Soon

October 1, 2021

The COVID-19 vaccine fights off the virus when a person gets infected with it kaya mahalaga ito lalo na sa ating mga senior citizens upang maprotektahan sila laban sa mas malala at nakamamatay na komplikasyon nito.

Vaccines have been distributed for free across the Philippines since February of this year but based on the current data provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), only about 25% of the vulnerable group are fully vaccinated in our country. Ang kabuuang tala ng senior citizens sa bansa ay nasa 8.5 milyon pero 2.1 milyon pa lamang ang bakunado. Recently, with the spread of the Delta variant which is 60% more transmissible than previous variants, maraming unvaccinated older adults ang naospital at pito sa bawat sampu naman ng namatay ay mula rin sa grupong ito. 

On August 3, 2021, the Philippine News Agency or PNA reported that the Philippines is aiming to achieve “population protection” against COVID-19 by inoculating 50 to 60 percent of the population with concentration in Metro Manila, two other cities, and six provinces by year end. However, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said the number of vaccinated senior citizens in the country “barely increased” due to vaccine hesitancy. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque also acknowledged that some senior citizens had doubts over the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and were concerned over the risk of contracting the disease while outside.

“Kayo po talaga ang pinaka at risk dahil dito sa COVID-19 na ito at ang proteksyon talaga natin kung gusto pa natin makasama ang ating mga apo ay magpabakuna na po tayo ” he said. 

Sa kabila ng posibleng banta sa buhay lalo na ng mga nakatatanda, bakit nga ba ayaw magpabakuna ng ilan sa ating mga senior citizens?

“Natatakot kami ipa-vaccine ang nanay ko kasi marami na siyang sakit baka hindi kayanin ng katawan nya” - Rosemary, 62 years old

“Parang wala pa akong tiwala sa vaccine na ‘yan. ‘Di pa tiyan kung effective ba talaga yan e.” - Nanay Dolor, 68 years old

“Mauna na lang muna ‘yung iba. Tsaka na ako magpapaturok ‘pag sigurado na ngang gumagana ang mga ‘yan.” - Rudy, 66 years old

The PNA adds that the Department of Health (DOH) said it is considering implementing house-to-house vaccination to reach senior citizens and other vulnerable groups. Kaya lang, ayon kay Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Benhur Abalos Jr., sa ngayon ay wala pang sapat na kakayahan at pondo ang gobyerno para magpatupad ng mass house-to-house vaccination.

We must continue to address factors affecting vaccine hesitancy among families and other age groups. It’s important to work together in breaking misconceptions against vaccines. At hindi lamang ito para sa COVID-19 vaccine. According to a recent study conducted by the UP Population Institute, there’s a low level of awareness of either flu and pneumococcal vaccine among older people. Ang flu at pneumonia vaccines ay kapwa mahalaga para sa mga nakatatanda dahil ang influenza at pneumonia ay dalawa sa mga karaniwang karamdaman ng mga taong nasa edad 60 pataas. 

All COVID-19 vaccines are safe and have been authorized and thoroughly tested by the Food and Drug Administration or FDA to ensure everyone’s safety. The DOH is encouraging the public to get your facts straight. ‘Wag maniwala sa sabi-sabi. Read up so you can make an informed decision. Kung nagdadalawang-isip ka sa pagbabakuna at hindi sigurado kung ito’y kakayanin ng iyong katawan, maaari kang humingi ng clearance sa iyong duktor para lalong mapanatag ang loob mo.

As we celebrate Elderly Filipino Week, let’s work hand-in-hand in protecting our elders and keep addressing issues concerning them. Kilalanin ang kanilang karapatan at ibigay ang mga benepisyo at pribilehiyong naaayon sa kanila. Pangalagaan natin sila hanggang sa abot ng ating makakaya. 

Paramount Direct is always committed to providing our senior citizens adequate financial security and protection especially in the face of medical challenges or confinements due to any injury or illness, including COVID-19. Pagdating sa pagkakasakit o pagkakaospital, naniniwala kaming mas mabuti na ang maging handa para hindi mabigla. Kinikilala rin namin ang mga anak at apo na inuuna ang kapakanan at kaligtasan ng kanilang mga nakatatandang mahal sa buhay.

To learn more about our products, get a quote and apply online, visit our website at www.paramountdirect.com. Let’s #redirect towards giving our seniors more healthy and worry-free years.

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