MANILA – A party-list lawmaker has introduced legislation to provide free vaccines against infectious diseases to all senior citizens in the country.
Agri Party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee filed House Bill No. 11055, known as the proposed Safeguarding Seniors: Free Immunization Act.
The measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, which limits free vaccinations to the indigent seniors.
Under Lee’s proposal, senior citizens will receive free immunization not only for influenza and pneumococcal disease but also for pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, diphtheria, and other diseases as deemed necessary by the Department of Health (DOH).
“Tayong mga Pilipino ay malaki ang pagpapahalaga sa ating mga lolo at lola, sa ating mga magulang na nag-alaga at nagpalaki sa atin, at nagtaguyod sa ating pamilya. Sa kanilang pagtanda, sila naman ang gusto nating arugain at talagang dapat pagkalooban ng karampatang kalinga (We Filipinos greatly value our grandparents and parents who cared for and raised us. In their old age, we wish to care for them and given them appropriate attention),” Lee said.
Lee said senior citizens are especially vulnerable to infectious diseases due to weakened immune systems.
“Many diseases can have severe or even fatal effects for older adults, whose immune systems often become weaker as they age. Kaya napakahalaga ng bakuna para maiwasan ang mga sakit, lalo na kung gagawin itong libre at mas accessible para sa lahat ng ating senior citizens (Vaccines are crucial for preventing diseases, especially if they are made free and more accessible to all senior citizens),” he said.
Lee further highlighted the economic burden of healthcare on seniors, many of whom fear falling ill due to their inability to afford treatment or hospitalization.
“Laging may pangamba ang ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang ating senior citizens, na magkasakit, dahil ayaw na nilang maging pabigat pa sa pamilya, lalo sa mahal na gastos sa gamot at pagpapa-ospital. Kaya marami ang hinahayaan na lang ang karamdaman, hindi nagpapa-checkup at parang naghihintay na lang ng oras nila (Our citizens, especially seniors, often worry about getting sick because they don’t want to be a burden on their families, given the high costs of medicine and hospital care. As a result, many let their illnesses persist without seeking check-ups, almost as if waiting for their time),” he said.
Lee said the proposed free vaccination for all senior citizens is in line with the objectives of Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act, which promotes free treatment and medicine for all Filipinos.
“The bill aligns with the government’s broader commitment to protecting the health and well-being of the elderly, promoting their right to healthcare, and ensuring that they live healthier, longer lives,” Lee said. (PNA)