DoH rolls out flu vaccines as seasonal cases rise

The Department of Health (DoH) has tracked an 8 percent increase in influenza-like illnesses over recent weeks, prompting health officials to schedule a nationwide flu vaccination rollout targeting vulnerable populations.

DoH Acting Secretary Edwin Mercado reported during a radio interview that data from the department’s Epidemiology Bureau logged 11,137 cases over the latest monitoring period, up from 10,378 cases recorded between 3 and 16 September.

“Cases rise during the cold season because people tend to gather indoors,” Mercado said, adding that upcoming holiday gatherings through Christmas and New Year could further accelerate transmission.

To counter the seasonal uptick, Mercado announced that the DoH will deploy influenza vaccines starting next week. The vaccination drive will run through December, prioritizing senior citizens, toddlers and individuals with underlying health conditions.

Mercado cited that flu-like illnesses are primarily caused by common respiratory viruses and seasonal allergies, reassuring the public that the infection rate remains manageable.

“The influenza virus is not fatal,” Mercado said, advising affected individuals to get adequate rest, maintain proper hydration and eat nutritious meals.

Cumulative figures from the health department show 122,514 influenza-like cases recorded year-to-date. Despite the recent weekly rise, overall cases remain 20 percent lower than the 152,972 cases reported during the corresponding period in 2025.

Mercado also cited a slight increase in weekly Covid-19 infections, with 291 cases reported compared to 245 the previous week.

However, he stressed that the figures do not indicate an outbreak.

“We see that it has not reached epidemic proportions,” Mercado said.