Agri Party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee is pushing for more free vaccines against infectious diseases for senior citizens.
On Thursday, the Agri Party-list representative filed a measure, pushing to provide free vaccines to protect the elderly's health and well-being. House Bill (HB) No. 11055 or the Safeguarding Seniors: Free Immunization Act of 2024, is seeking to amend Republic Act (RA) No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.
Under the proposed amendment, all senior citizens are entitled to have free vaccination. Aside from that, free immunization also covers pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, diphtheria, and other diseases 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,” Lee said.
“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,” he added.
According to Lee, elderly Filipinos often fear getting diagnosed with an illness because they don't always have the means to sustain regular check-ups and medications.
The lawmaker also mentioned that the proposed bill is anchored to the Universal Health Care Act, as it seeks to provide free medications and check-ups for Filipinos.
