Free pneumonia, influenza vaccines for Makatizens

Aside from medical front-liners and essential workers, Makati residents can also avail of the free influenza and pneumonia vaccines offered by the city government.

Yellow (for health subsidy) or Blu Card (special benefit card for senior citizens) holders can sign up online for the free vaccines, Mayor Abby Binay said on Thursday, for a faster and more efficient registration process with minimal person-to-person contact.

“We want to give our Makatizens added protection against the coronavirus. Giving everyone flu and pneumonia vaccines, especially the most vulnerable sectors, will improve their resistance to SARS-CoV-2—the cause of COVID-19 infection,” she added.

According to the city health department, residents shall receive immunization shots for pneumonia, and trivalent flu shots that cover three strains of influenza—influenza A(H1N1), influenza A(H3N2), and influenza B.

Online registration

Holders of Yellow or Blu Cards can use their smartphones or computers to go to the #ProudMakatizen website (ProudMakatizen.com) and select “Vaccination Registration.” They will be asked to enter their ID card number for verification.

Yellow cardholders may also sign up their declared dependents for the free vaccines. Once verified, applicants will receive a message confirming their schedule.

“We are implementing new strategies to ensure the unhampered delivery of healthcare services to over 500,000 Makatizens. This is part of our drive to innovate and set new benchmarks for the new normal,” Binay said.

The Department of Health earlier recommended the use of flu and pneumonia vaccines to prevent the complications caused by COVID-19. However, it reminded the public not to be complacent since there remains no approved vaccine or cure yet for COVID-19.