Agri Party-list Representative Wilbert Lee has filed House Bill 11055, known as the proposed Safeguarding Seniors: Free Immunization Act, aiming to provide free vaccines against various infectious diseases to all senior citizens in the Philippines.
The bill seeks to amend Republic Act 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, which currently limits free vaccinations to indigent seniors. If approved, the proposed measure would expand coverage to include all senior citizens, ensuring access to free immunization for diseases such as influenza, pneumococcal disease, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, diphtheria, and other diseases deemed necessary by the Department of Health (DOH).
Rep. Lee highlighted the importance of the bill, citing the increased vulnerability of older adults due to weakened immune systems. “Many diseases can have severe or even fatal effects for older adults, whose immune systems often become weaker as they age. Vaccines are crucial for preventing diseases, especially if they are made free and more accessible to all senior citizens,” Lee stated.
Lee emphasized that many elderly Filipinos fear illness due to the high cost of treatment and hospitalization. He noted that the proposed free vaccination initiative aligns with the goals of Republic Act 11223, or the Universal Health Care Act, which promotes free treatment and medication for all Filipinos.
“The bill aligns with the government’s broader commitment to protecting the health and well-being of the elderly, promoting their right to healthcare, and ensuring that they live healthier, longer lives,” Lee added.
If passed, the legislation aims to reinforce the nation’s commitment to caring for its elderly population by improving their access to preventive healthcare.
