Makati’s fully vaxxed seniors get P37.7 million gift checks

MANILA, Philippines — The city government of Makati has distributed P37,743,000 worth of gift certificates to 37,743 fully vaccinated senior citizens, Mayor Abby Binay said yesterday.

The P1,000 gift check per senior citizen “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,” Binay said.

According to data from the Department of Health (DOH), Makati has achieved 105 percent of its target for senior citizens, the A2 priority group.

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.

Binay also encouraged senior citizens to get their booster shots so they have continuous protection against the virus. DOH data show 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,” she said.

Binay said the city has ensured the regular door-to-door delivery of seniors’ 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 COVID vaccine doses and has 429,656 fully vaccinated individuals.