by PS Mabaquiao

San Jose, Antique (29 January) -- The Province of Antique has availed of free flu vaccines from drug companies in Manila facilitated by Vice Governor Rhodora Cadiao with support from Governor Salvacion Z. Perez.

Dr. Norman Tanchuan, Provincial Health Officer in an interview said that 9, 800 flu vaccines were received by the PHO to be given to the elderly population and government employees. The vaccines were distributed to 18 municipalities in the province through the Municipal Health Office and in coordination with the Association of Senior Citizens or Elderly.

Aside from the elderly, health workers and government employees and Provincial Officials (including the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members) were immunized to spare them from acquiring the disease.

Tanchuan further said that the vaccines cost the company more than P9.8 million at about P1,200.00 per doze. It's a yearly program of the Office of the Vice Governor which started last year where the province have availed of more than 5,000 flu vaccines.

"The flu immunization conducted last year has a significant effect on the decrease of incidence of flu in the province especially among elderly. It has also lessen complications like pneumonia which is expensive that can drain the budget of the family," said Tanchuan.

The PHO also commends the support of the Rural Health Units and municipal officials who conducted / facilitated the immunization at the health centers.