THE Iloilo City Government will be asking the Department of Health (DOH)-Western Visayas to give flu vaccines to children.

The City Health Office (CHO) will ask the DOH regional office if the flu doses could be given to children, considering that majority of senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) have already been vaccinated against Covid-19.

Mayor Jerry Treñas said with the increase in Covid-19 cases, everyone should be protected in one way or the other to reduce morbidity and mortality.

“Our kids are not yet allowed to get Covid-19 vaccines, but the flu shots may provide them vital protection against it,” he said.

Treñas cited studies showing how flu shots lessened other health risks in patients with Covid-19, and how they can less likely be admitted or go into severe cases.

The mayor encouraged parents and guardians with children to avail themselves of influenza or flu vaccine as added health protection.

The City Hall is looking into ways to secure flu vaccines from the national government or procure its own supplies.

“While we believe flu shot is different from the Covid-19 vaccine, at least it can offer some protection especially to the vulnerable sector,” Treñas said.

“We have to find solutions to lessen the impact of the pandemic since we still have a long way to go to have everyone fully vaccinated against Covid-19,” he added. (PR)