Iloilo City has ramped up its flu vaccination efforts, reaching a major milestone with over 63,000 residents now protected against influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) as of December 26, 2024.
Mayor Jerry Treñas praised the community’s collective efforts, saying, “In just 11 days, we have vaccinated over 16,000 more individuals. This demonstrates the dedication and cooperation of our fellow Ilonggos in safeguarding our health.”
The City Health Office (CHO) indicate a substantial increase in vaccinations, with an additional 16,672 doses given between December 15 and December 26, which shows the city’s intensified initiatives to protect residents from influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) during the rainy season.
Treñas encouraged both residents and non-residents to take advantage of the free flu shots provided by the CHO, emphasizing the importance of strengthening protection against ILIs as the rainy season intensifies.
In addition, he called on businesses, schools, and government offices to work with the CHO to organize mass vaccination drives. This collaboration aims to expand vaccination coverage and ensure broader protection across the city.
The Department of Health (DOH) said that it closely monitors ILIs, along with other “WILD” diseases—water- and food-borne illnesses, leptospirosis, and dengue — during the rainy season, which further underscores the need for widespread vaccination.
Priority groups
The CHO continues to prioritize vaccination for high-risk groups, which include:
- Individuals aged 10 and older
- Seniors aged 60 and above
- Pregnant women in their fifth month or later
- People living with HIV
- Healthcare and frontline workers
- Individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, lung disease, heart failure, or cancer
The CHO emphasized that older adults (65+) and immunocompromised individuals are especially vulnerable to severe flu complications and should prioritize getting vaccinated.
The free flu vaccines remain available at district health centers and the vaccination site at the City Health Office, located on the second floor of Iloilo City Hall, CHO said.
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.