The Pampanga provincial government has distributed 20,000 vials of Pneumonia vaccines to Rural Health Units (RHUs) amid rising cases across the province.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Zenon Ponce reported a significant rise in Pneumonia cases in Pampanga, attributed to the prevailing weather conditions.
The Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) of Pampanga documented more than 1,600 patients admitted and attended to at provincial hospitals from December 2023 to January 23, 2024, diagnosed with Pneumonia.
“Especially during this cold season suddenly turning warm, and occasional drizzles or rains, these weather fluctuations are the primary cause. With numerous people catching colds now, the spread is rapid. Therefore, it is advisable to wear face masks and maintain physical distancing,” said Ponce.
To protect the elderly from contracting the illness, the provincial capitol prioritized them in the initial distribution of the 20,000 vaccines allocated by the Department of Health (DOH) for Pampanga.
Senior citizens interested in vaccination can present their senior citizen IDs at the nearest Rural Health Unit (RHU) in their localities.