Makati City is making this Christmas merrier for elderly persons as long as they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
The city government of Makati has distributed gift certificates worth P37,743,000 to some 37,743 fully vaccinated senior citizens.
“The P1K-gift check incentive was one of the strategic measures taken by my administration to encourage the elderly to have themselves vaccinated as early as possible. Our efforts have been rewarded because we have surpassed the target vaccination rate for their age group,” Mayor Abigail Binay said.
The mayor said the P1,000-gift check was part of the city’s initiatives to encourage senior citizens to get themselves inoculated against Covid-19.
Data from the Department of Health (DOH) showed that Makati has achieved a 105 percent of target in priority group A2, which is for senior citizens.
Binay emphasized the importance of being fully vaccinated, especially during the Christmas season.
“Senior citizens are among the most at-risk groups for severe cases of Covid-19. It is comforting to know that they now have the full protection of the vaccine, and can enjoy the holidays with less worries,” she said.
The mayor also encouraged senior citizens to get their booster shots so they have continuous protection against the virus. DOH data also showed that 9,774 senior citizens of Makati have received the booster shot.
“We are already giving booster shots for Makatizens who wish to avail of it. It would be best if our senior citizens have their booster shots in time for the holidays,” Binay said.
She noted that the city has ensured the regular door-to-door delivery of their free vitamins and maintenance medicines despite the pandemic. Senior citizens were also prioritized for the free flu and pneumonia vaccines provided by the city government.
To date, the city has administered 932,606 doses, and has 429,656 fully vaccinated individuals.