TAGUIG CITY, Philippines — In a major city-wide health initiative, Mayor Lani Cayetano led the ceremonial launch of a massive flu vaccination drive targeting 120,000 senior citizens across all 38 barangays. The program, titled “Flu-tektado sina Lola at Lolo: Flu, Malalabanan! Komplikasyong Pneumonia, Maiiwasan!”, officially began on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the Taguig Center for the Elderly in Barangay North Signal.
The initiative is the first of its kind in the city—a fully local government-funded and implemented effort aimed at shielding the elderly from seasonal influenza and its potentially fatal complications, such as pneumonia.
The city government has established a clear roadmap to ensure high coverage before the peak of the rainy season.
- Target Population: 115,000 to 120,000 registered senior citizens (aged 60 and above).
- Timeline: The drive will run for two weeks, from May 11 to May 22, 2026 (weekdays only).
- Vaccine Selection: Taguig has procured Abbott Pharmaceuticals’ “Influvac Tetra Quadrivalent,” a high-standard vaccine typically found in private clinics. Mayor Cayetano emphasized that the choice was “carefully studied” by the City Health Office for its safety and scientific credibility.
To ensure that no senior citizen is left behind, the city is using a multi-channel approach:
- Barangay Vaccination Sites: Each of the 38 barangays has designated areas for the rollout. The full list of sites is available on the city’s official social media accounts.
- House-to-House Rollout: For bedridden or mobility-impaired seniors, dedicated vaccination teams will travel directly to their homes.
- Special Centers: Facilities like the Taguig Center for the Elderly serve as primary hubs for the mass inoculation.
The timing of the rollout is strategic, occurring just before the June-July period when pneumonia-related deaths historically spike.
- Pneumonia Prevention: By providing the flu vaccine now, the city aims to reduce the risk of secondary infections that lead to pneumonia, which remains a top health concern for the elderly.
- “Super Flu” Context: While the Department of Health (DOH) recently noted that sightings of a “super flu” strain are not yet alarming, local officials believe that proactive vaccination remains the best defense for vulnerable sectors with weaker immune systems.
“We are thankful as a city that we are able to finance a program rollout as massive as this… We want to ensure that our seniors are protected before the rains come.” — Mayor Lani Cayetano
Seniors are encouraged to bring their Senior Citizen ID or any valid proof of residency and age. The city maintains a “no-walk-in” policy in some congested areas to prevent long wait times in the heat; residents are advised to coordinate with their respective Barangay Health Centers for their scheduled slots.