MANILA, (PIA) — A proposed legislation in the House of Representatives seeks to ensure free vaccinations against infectious diseases for Filipino senior citizens in the Philippines.
House Bill No. 11055, known as the Safeguarding Seniors: Free Immunization Act, was introduced by Agri Party-list Representative Wilbert T. Lee.
If enacted, the bill would require the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation to provide free immunizations for diseases such as flu, whooping cough, herpes, cervical cancer, and tetanus, as well as any other vaccines recommended by the DOH.
“Many diseases can have severe or even fatal effects on older adults, whose immune systems often become weaker as they age. That’s why vaccines are so important to prevent these illnesses, especially if they are made free and more accessible for all our senior citizens,” Lee said in a recent announcement.
The proposed measure also aims to amend Republic Act No. 9994, also known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, which currently limits free vaccinations to indigent seniors.
Lee emphasized that the initiative aligns with the 2019 Universal Health Care Law, highlighting the need to expand healthcare services for the elderly population in the country. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
(Photo courtesy: Las Piñas PIO)
