“Vaccination is an act of love”

- Pope Francis

Health experts, together with local government units, called on medical groups, government, and stakeholders to create a coalition to champion flu immunization specifically for older adults. During a media roundtable discussion organized by the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV) and the Philippine College for Geriatric Medicine (PCGM) last June 6, 2022, Philippine College of Physicians Vice President Dr. Rontgene Solante said it’s about time the country has a whole-of-society approach to better protect older adults against influenza, “We would like to protect this population against exacerbation of other infections. Decreasing hospitalization among this population will also have an implication in decreasing complications like diabetes, stroke, even hip fracture, and cardiac complications. This partnership with the government and private medical societies–these are very important to move forward. This is for the greater good of the population.”

PFV’s Executive Director Dr. Lulu Bravo, who has always championed the health and well-being of senior citizens through vaccination, couldn’t agree more. “Our senior citizens should be aware of the different free vaccines available to them, especially for influenza. In the near future, we might even have new Quadrivalent flu vaccines (QIV) for added protection. This vaccine includes the same strains as the trivalent vaccine (TIV) we’re currently using now, but with an additional B strain. This means the QIV produces a higher antibody response in patients 60 years old and above compared to the TIV. But introducing new types of vaccines, especially to older adults, has been a challenge. We need the support system of the entire medical community, our LGUs, as well as the private and public sector, especially the media to champion flu immunization for older adults,” Bravo said.

According to Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Former President Dr. Remedios Coronel, our older adults are vulnerable to many diseases because of immunosenescence or the lowering of immunity as people get older. It is important that family members and seniors should be immunized against vaccine preventable diseases such as influenza. “Influenza vaccines are safe. It’s very effective in decreasing the severity of hospitalization especially among our older adults with comorbidities”, Coronel quipped. In the Philippines, Influenza-attributable deaths account for 5.09 deaths every 100,000 persons. It is highest among individuals 60 years old and above.

PCGM President Dr. Eduardo Poblete said the PCGM has recently released statements of support and policy recommendations to further enhance the system in combating influenza, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections among older adults to promote their health and wellness throughout their lifetime. “We are suggesting a holistic approach to try to promote the health and well-being of all the older Filipino adults by promoting vaccine confidence among the elderly, promoting preventive medicine including fall prevention, vaccination, self-care and maintaining functionality,” Poblete said.

At the local government level, the City of Pasig is beefing up efforts to roll out its flu immunization program for older adults. Pasig City National Immunization Program Medical Coordinator Dr. Angelo Saquitan agrees with the health experts that there is a need to create a coalition to champion influenza immunization for seniors. “This is for everyone’s benefit. The whole community will benefit if our seniors are vaccinated against the flu. Prevention is always better than cure,” Saquitan said. He reiterated that the vaccines have been tried and tested for years, and are perfectly safe. “I really think a coalition to champion flu immunization for older adults will help increase our flu vaccination rates and better protect our seniors,” Saquitan added.

Times may be tough right now with the prices of commodities feeling like they’re always going up, but even with these challenges, there’s absolutely no reason to spare yourself the treats you deserve.

When you’re craving something affordable yet delicious and satisfying, you can always turn to the sulit-sarap joy that Jollibee’s JolliSavers never fails to bring!

It doesn’t take a lot of money to enjoy your Jollibee favorites that make up the JolliSavers. Treat yourself to the beefy, langhap-sarap Yumburger; the meatiest, cheesiest, sweet-sarap Jolly Spaghetti; the beefy, saucy, linamnam-ulam Burger Steak; or the goodness of the creamy tuna filling inside that beloved golden pie crust of the original Tuna Pie. They’re all so satisfying for an affordable price!

“Rising prices for goods certainly doesn’t don’t have to mean that we have to deal with settle for sad food choices. With the JolliSavers, Jollibee is definitely committed to bringing affordable joy to Filipinos and Jollibee fans no matter the situation, so that they can keep coming back to Jollibee for more,” said Jollibee’s Marketing Director, Joseph Aruta, marketing director for Jollibee.

You can also watch the newest JolliSavers commercial and see how your favorites can bring affordable joy to you here:You can also watch the newest JolliSavers commercial and see how your favorites can bring joy to you in an affordable way here: 

Looking for new and exciting restaurants to try? Visit Greenhills P6, in front of Theatre Mall! Healthy selections are available at Koomi, Oh My Greek, and Zig – Healthy Made Happy. Satisfy your cravings at Frankie’s New York Buffalo Wings, and Sweet Ecstasy. You should also watch out for Panda Express opening soon! 

 

Register for the Ortigas Community Card for discounts and promos when you shop and dine at Ortigas Malls! Just download the Ortigas Malls app. Available on Android and iOS. 

 

Visit the Greenhills Mall Facebook page for more details! 

 

#EnjoyEveryday #OrtigasMalls 

Bisaya shoppers now have even more reasons to enjoy their mid-year shopping as Shopee treats them to exclusive Visayas Barato Deals and other exciting offerings this 6.6. Here are what Visayans can expect at the Shopee 6.6 Mid-Year Sale that will make their shopping experience more enjoyable and rewarding:

1. Exclusive Visayas Barato Deals

Shoppers in the region can avail of exclusive Visayas Barato Deals, which includes items they can get for as low as ₱6! They can also get up to ₱75 off on shipping on select shops, and use 10% off discount vouchers from participating shops when they checkout their Shopee hauls. 

From the latest gadget finds, quirky accessories, to unique kitchen pieces, Bisaya shoppers can shop ‘til they drop when they checkout these ₱6 deals this 6.6! 

The mid-year is the perfect time to reward ourselves and recharge for what's to come in the second half of 2022. Shopee treats more Filipinos to a memorable mid-year shopping experience at the 6.6-7.7 Mid-Year Sale. To kick-off the mid-year sale, shoppers can look forward to “Mas Mura sa Shopee”* deals and enjoy ₱66 deals all day, shipping discount vouchers, and 10% off daily when they add-to-cart and checkout from May 27 to June 8.

Score “mas mura sa Shopee”* deals as low as ₱66 at the 6.6 - 7.7 Mid-Year Sale

As shoppers fill up their Shopee carts with their favorite finds, they can also discover “Mas Mura Sa Shopee”* [It’s cheaper on Shopee] deals with low-priced items that are guaranteed to make their haul worth every peso. 

With 6.6 just around the corner, take your pick from the following items at only ₱66 that fit your everyday lifestyle. 

Stay warm during cold nights with a stylish button down cardigan. Want to cook with ease? consider this multi cooker hot pot to be your helping hand in the kitchen. Upgrade your storage space with a multifunctional shoe rack organizer, which keeps your favorite pairs neat and orderly.