Iloilo City Government will be requesting the Department of Health (“DOH”) Regional Office 6 to give the flu vaccines to children.
The City Health Office will be asking DOH-6 if the flu doses could be given to children, considering majority of senior citizens and Persons With Disabilities (“PWDs”) have already been vaccinated against COVID-19.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said with the increase in cases in COVID-19, everyone should be protected in one way or the other to reduce morbidity and mortality.
“Our kids are not yet allowed to get COVID-19 vaccines, but the flu shots may provide them vital protection against it,” he said.
Treñas cited studies showing how flu shots lessened other health risks in patients with COVID-19, and how they can less likely be admitted or go into severe cases.
Also read: Why Kids, Seniors Should Get Flu Shots
The mayor is encouraging parents and guardians with children to avail of influenza or flu vaccine as added health protection.
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City Hall is looking into ways to secure flu vaccines from the national government or procure its own supplies.
“While we believe flu shot is different from the COVID-19 vaccine, at least it can offer some protection especially to the vulnerable sector,” Treñas said.
“We have to find solutions to lessen the impact of the pandemic since we still have a long way to go to have everyone fully vaccinated against COVID-19,” he added. (Iloilo City PIO)
