By Benjamin Cuaresma
The Manila City government and the Department of Health (DOH) launched a joint free influenza vaccination drive in Baseco on Friday, October 30, initially targeting 200 senior citizens as part of efforts to expand protection for vulnerable residents.
Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso welcomed Health Secretary Dr. Edwin Mercado at Amadome Court for the rollout, with the DOH committing additional vaccine doses for distribution across Manila’s communities in the coming weeks.
Vice Mayor Angela Lei “Chi” Atienza joined the activity, expressing happiness over the initiative and recalling her years of community work in Baseco before entering public service.
She said the vaccination drive would help protect elderly residents, particularly senior citizens who need greater access to preventive healthcare.
The program also covers pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, adults with comorbidities, and healthcare and frontline workers.
Domagoso also highlighted the upgrading of Baseco Hospital, which received laboratory, operating room and emergency room equipment under the city’s ₱324-million medical equipment procurement program for 2026. The facility is expected to secure its license to operate within days, allowing it to provide full hospital services.
Mercado said the initiative demonstrates national and local government cooperation under the Universal Health Care framework.
He also announced that the DOH’s list of free medicines available to Manileños will expand from 75 to 135 next year, including insulin, thyroxine and family planning medicines.
Meanwhile, Manila OIC-City Health Officer Dr. Grace Padilla reported 87 confirmed influenza cases among 2,800 cases recorded across private, national and local government hospitals.
Padilla urged eligible residents to avail themselves of the free vaccination, assuring them that the influenza shots are safe and effective.
ia/xf
