The local government unit (LGU) of Tagbilaran City provides flu vaccine to all senior citizens, City employees, and frontliners, a report from the City Media Bureau states.
As part of the precautionary measures against the threat of COVID-19, the LGU of Tagbilaran has provided the free vaccines to all of its employees, including those under contact, in the plantilla, and job order status.
City Health Officer Dr. Jeia Pondoc made the rounds in all the department offices to administer the flu shots.
City Mayor John Geesnell Yap II said that this vaccination program can at least provide employees additional protection against the threatening virus.
“Although the quest for medication and COVID-19 cure is still in progress, the methods that we all observe like social distancing, staying home, and washing of hands are proven ways in reducing our chances of catching the virus and spreading it to our loved ones and within our community,” Yap said.
According to studies, flu vaccination can help improve our immune response which puts people in a better position to protect themselves from getting infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, Yap added.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes the Covid infection.
Moreover, Pondoc reiterated that the flu vaccine administration is just a reinforcement of the City Government’s preventive measures.
Flu vaccines are designed to prevent infections with influenza viruses; these cannot prevent you from getting a coronavirus, the doctor explained.
However, Pondoc said the flu vaccines can help people to have better response to the infection threats of COVID.
“The effect is indirect. If health care workers are not burdened with flu patients, it can relieve the pressure in hospitals in treating patients with COVID. And since the symptoms of flu and COVID are kind of similar, the detection of a COVID case would be easier”, Pondoc said.
Alongside the City Government personnel, flu vaccination shots are also administered for free to the city police personnel, personnel of the city fire station, members of the Philippine Coast Guadd and personnel of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
The senior citizens are encouraged to coordinate with barangay health care workers (BHW) for an appointment with the Balay to Balay Team so they can get their free flu shots, the report from the City Media Bureau says.