Makati launches free shingles vax for immunocompromised, senior residents

The local government of Makati has rolled out its free shingles vaccination drive with the aim to protect immunocompromised and senior citizens of the city. 

''Our shingles vaccination drive is an important step in our continuous effort to ensure the health and safety of all Makatizens. By protecting the most vulnerable residents against shingles, we are working towards a healthier, better protected, and more resilient community,” Mayor Abby Binay said in a press release.

Binay tasked the Makati Health Department (MHD) vaccination teams to conduct house-to-house  visits in various barangays to administer the first dose of the vaccine against shingles.

She said that nearly 12,000 residents pre-registered to receive the Shingrix vaccine as early as January of this year.

The vaccine, which requires two doses, is intended for immunocompromised adults aged 19 and above and senior residents aged 50 to 80. 

Immunocompromised residents will receive the second dose of the vaccine after a month, while seniors will receive theirs after two months.

The MHD has already conducted community lectures and pre-registration efforts in all barangays to educate city residents about the vaccine. 

"We encourage all eligible residents to take advantage of this free vaccination service to protect themselves from the severe effects of shingles," Binay said. 

Each dose of the Shingrix vaccine costs between P8,000 and P10,000. However, it is being given for free to Makati Yellow Card holders.

According to infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante, shingles is a non-infectious virus that hides in the central nervous system and reactivates when the immune system is compromised.

It often causes severe pain, discomfort, burning and tingling, and red rashes that often develop into blisters.

Solante recommended vaccination as a preventive measure against shingles, as they may still cause long-lasting complications such as Post-Herpetic Neuralgia, Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, Bell’s palsy, and even cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.—Anna Felicia Bajo and Jiselle Anne Casucian/AOL, GMA Integrated News