Makati launches shingles vaccine drive

Makati Mayor Abby Binay FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The local government of Makati has started providing free shingles vaccines for its immunocompromised and senior citizens.

Mayor Abby Binay on Friday said she directed the Makati Health Department vaccination teams to roll out the first dose of Shingrix vaccines house-to-house in various barangays.

“We encourage all eligible residents to take advantage of this free vaccination service to protect themselves from the severe effects of shingles,” Binay said in a statement.

“Our shingles vaccination drive is an important step in our continuous effort to ensure the health and safety of all Makatizens,” she continued. “By protecting the most vulnerable residents against shingles, we are working towards a healthier, better protected, and more resilient community.”

Immunocompromised adults aged 19 and above and seniors aged 50 to 80 are eligible for free vaccines.

The second dose will be given after a month to immunocompromised adults, while seniors have to wait two months after their first shot.

The vaccine is free to Makati Yellow Card holders, also known as the Makati Health Plus Program.

Shingles is a viral infection caused by varicella-zoster similar to chickenpox, with symptoms including pain, burning, tingling, and a red rash that develops into itchy, fluid-filled blisters.

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Since January this year, Binay nearly 12,000 residents have pre-registered for the two doses of shingles shots.

To date, Makati City remains the only local government in the country providing free shingles vaccines.—Arianne Denisse Cagsawa, trainee