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Watsons now offering vaccination services in-store

There are more than 25 safe and effective vaccines that can stop diseases, protect health, and mitigate outbreaks. Below are three diseases that can be prevented by vaccines:

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, four million deaths are prevented by childhood vaccination every year.[1] The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted how important it is to be inoculated, and many updated their vaccinations to stay healthy.

There are more than 25 safe and effective vaccines that can stop diseases, protect health, and mitigate outbreaks.[2] Below are three diseases that can be prevented by vaccines:

Influenza

Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat, and even the lungs at any time of the year.[3] It is marked by fevers, chills, coughing, a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. It is transmitted through close contact with an infected person, or even touching objects contaminated by the virus.[4] Compared to the common cold, the flu is worse and its symptoms are more intense.[5] It causes mild to severe illness, and even death.[6] Up to 650,000 people worldwide die from the flu each year.[7]

This year, the dominant flu strain circulating the globe is Influenza A (H3N2) and it has been associated with more severe flu seasons. Meanwhile, subtype H3N2 is known to cause more severe illnesses in young children and older adults.[8]

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes the air sacs to be filled with fluid or pus.[9] Its symptoms include coughing, fever, sweating, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, and nausea and vomiting.[10] Pneumonia is caused by a variety of factors such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It is the single largest infectious cause of death in children around the world.[11]

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world.[12] There are usually no symptoms and it goes away on its own, but the virus may cause painless growths or lumps around the genital area.[13] It is usually transmitted via sex or skin-to-skin sexual contact with an individual who has the virus. If untreated, HPV infections can cause cancer.[14]

Vaxx Office Campaign

Watsons continues to lead the way in promoting and providing access to holistic health and wellness solutions, expert care and advice, and a platform for health literacy. The global brand in health and beauty retail is offering vaccination services for the Influenza A (H3N2), pneumonia, and HPV in its network of more than 1,000 stores in the Philippines.

Aside from its in-store vaccination services, Watsons is launching its Vaxx Office campaign to capture public interest and raise awareness on the importance of timely vaccinations.

Vaxx Office features a series of trailers and posters for what appear to be movies with post-apocalyptic themes. The striking visuals of the campaign aim to highlight how routine vaccinations can keep the dangers of flu, cancer-linked HPV, and pneumonia at bay.

An exclusive screening of the trailers together with a movie block screening will be held with medical partners and the media before they go live in cinemas and on social media. Meanwhile, the mock movie posters will be situated just outside cinema theaters, underpasses, and on billboards all over Metro Manila.

“There are many diseases to watch out for, but advances in medicine have allowed us to protect ourselves through vaccination. Watsons is making it easier to protect ourselves by making immunization more accessible and affordable,” shared Jared de Guzman, Watsons Customer Director.

“We encourage everyone to get vaccinated to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and even the community. It is the safest and most effective way of stopping infectious diseases,” shares  shares Dr. Lulu Bravo, Executive Director, Philippine Foundation for Vaccination.

Customers interested in getting vaccinated at Watsons may schedule their inoculation for April 27 to 30 via the Watsons Health Hub online. Early registrants can enjoy 10% off their vaccine and Php 50 off on Php 500 worth of purchases of Watsons products.

To book a vaccination, please visit vaccination.watsons.com.ph/. For more information about Watsons’ products and services, download the Watsons app on the App Store or Google Play.


[1] Fast Facts on Global Immunization. (Updated 2022, Sep 22). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/immunization/data/fast-facts.html#:~:text=4%20million%20deaths%20worldwide%20are%20prevented%20by%20childhood%20vaccination%20every%20year. Accessed 21 Mar 2023

[2] Fast Facts on Global Immunization. (Updated 2022, Sep 22). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/immunization/data/fast-facts.html#:~:text=4%20million%20deaths%20worldwide%20are%20prevented%20by%20childhood%20vaccination%20every%20year. Accessed 21 Mar 2023

[3] Key Facts About Influenza (Flu). (Last reviewed 2022, Oct 24). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm#:~:text=Flu%20is%20a%20contagious%20respiratory,Flu%20Symptoms. Accessed 21 Mar 2023

[4] Flu (Influenza). (Last reviewed 2020, Aug 13). Penn Medicine, https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/flu-influenza#:~:text=Most%20people%20get%20the%20flu,often%20confuse%20colds%20and%20flu. Accessed 22 Mar 2023

[5] Cold Versus Flu. (Last reviewed 2022, Sep 29). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/coldflu.htm#:~:text=Influenza%20(flu)%20and%20the%20common,%2C%20parainfluenza%2C%20and%20seasonal%20coronaviruses. Accessed 21 Mar 2023

[6]  Key Facts About Influenza (Flu). (Last reviewed 2022, Oct 24). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm#:~:text=Flu%20is%20a%20contagious%20respiratory,Flu%20Symptoms. Accessed 21 Mar 2023

[7] COVID-19 vs. the Flu. (Updated 2022, Jul 29). John Hopkins Medicine, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-disease-2019-vs-the-flu. Accessed 22 Mar 2023

[8] H3N2 Flu Strain: What to Know About the Deadly Outbreak in India. (2023, March 13). Julia Ries, https://www.healthline.com/health-news/h3n2-flu-strain-what-to-know-about-the-deadly-outbreak-in-india. Accessed 24 April 2023.

[9] What Is Pneumonia? (Last updated 2022, Mar 24). National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/pneumonia#:~:text=Pneumonia%20is%20an%20infection%20that,or%20fungi%20may%20cause%20pneumonia. Accessed 22 Mar 2023

[10] Pneumonia Symptoms and Diagnosis. (Last updated 2022, Nov 17). American Lung Association, https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pneumonia/symptoms-and-diagnosis. Accessed 22 Mar 2023

[11] Pneumonia in children. (2022, Nov 11). World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/pneumonia#:~:text=Pneumonia%20is%20a%20form%20of,painful%20and%20limits%20oxygen%20intake. Accessed 22 Mar 2023

[12] Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine. (No date). Pan American Health Organization, https://www.paho.org/en/human-papillomavirus-hpv-vaccine. Accessed 22 Mar 2023

[13] Human papillomavirus (HPV). (Last reviewed 2022, May 27). National Health Service, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/human-papilloma-virus-hpv/. Accessed 22 Mar 2023

[14] National Cancer Institute. (Updated 2023, Jan 31). National Cancer Institute, https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer. Accessed 22 Mar 2023.

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NewsMakers

Pru Life UK solidifies position as top life insurer in PH

Pru Life UK achieved an impressive NBAPE of Php 10.54 billion for 2023 representing 11% growth. The company broadened the gap with the closest competitor by a margin of Php 472 million. NBAPE serves as the universally accepted performance metric used to assess sales performances of the life insurance industry in the Philippines.

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Pru Life UK ranks number one in the life insurance industry in the Philippines, garnering the highest New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) as reflected in the recently released Insurance Commission (IC) report as of 31 December 2023.

The report shows that Pru Life UK achieved an impressive NBAPE of Php 10.54 billion for 2023 representing 11% growth. The company broadened the gap with the closest competitor by a margin of Php 472 million. NBAPE serves as the universally accepted performance metric used to assess sales performances of the life insurance industry in the Philippines.

Owing to the company’s innovative offerings, Pru Life UK also leads in total premium income from variable life insurance products, amounting to over Php 45.7 billion as of 31 December 2023.

With over 42,000 digitally empowered agents and 1.7 million lives assured, Pru Life UK strengthens its market leadership reflecting the company’s unwavering commitment to being the most trusted partner and protector of many Filipino families.   

More than numbers, Pru Life UK also attributes its industry success to good corporate governance which guides the business to lead with transparency and integrity. A Golden Arrows awardee for five (5) consecutive years since 2018, Pru Life UK has cemented itself as a beacon of responsible business practices in the Philippines.

It is with great pride and honor that we achieved the country’s number one life insurer position in 2023, ” said Francis Ortega, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Pru Life UK. “We express our heartfelt appreciation to our customers, partners, employees, and agency force for their collective efforts that have driven us to achieve this significant milestone. Our purpose, “For Every Life, For Every Future,” guides us in providing innovative and accessible solutions to every Filipino. We aim to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions.”

The consistent growth of Pru Life UK is aligned with that of its parent company, Prudential plc, which recorded a 45% increase in new business profit to USD 3.1 billion as of 31 December 2023. As it further strengthens its commitment to providing financial solutions addressing the evolving needs of Filipinos, the company recently launched PRULove Wealth, a single premium product designed to provide Filipinos life insurance coverage while also allowing them to earn returns with rates comparable with those from high-yielding time deposits. The plan uniquely offers 4% guaranteed annual cash payout, 100% cashback, and up to 125% insurance coverage.

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NewsMakers

Siemens Healthineers turnover Letters of Intent to PH gov’t

Each of the three (3) LOIs reinforces the commitment Siemens Healthineers has in becoming a valued partner to contribute to further developing and revolutionizing the country’s healthcare sector.

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Siemens Healthcare Inc. (Siemens Healthineers), a medical technology company, turned over three (3) Letters of Intent (LOI) to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual in the presence of Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The ceremony took place during the German-Philippine Business Forum in Berlin, Germany attended by Philippine cabinet members, representatives, and business leaders from both countries.

Each of the three (3) LOIs reinforces the commitment Siemens Healthineers has in becoming a valued partner to contribute to further developing and revolutionizing the country’s healthcare sector. The first LOI is centered on developing a partner hospital to become a training center to support training needs and address the skills gap in the field of radiology. A comprehensive program will be developed to further improve healthcare quality such as a curriculum on the various aspects of mammography screening – including anatomy, pathology, imaging techniques and interpretation, safety, and patient care.

The second LOI is focused on the development of an Innovation Think Tank (ITT) hub and spoke model to address the strategic target of an inclusive innovation ecosystem in the Philippines. Through collaborations, the ITT is set to gather students, researchers, and working professionals to create and identify disruptive innovation opportunities and improvement areas in healthcare.

The third LOI is intended to explore the opportunities for strategic and digital partnerships in healthcare with the Department of Health with the goal of revolutionizing healthcare in the country. The digital partnership aims to develop and enhance the Philippines’ healthcare infrastructure through proven digital solutions such as eHealth and digital health and AI capacity-building and training.

“At Siemens Healthineers, we aim to foster a future for the Philippines where advancements in healthcare open new possibilities. The three LOIs underscore our unwavering dedication to creating a lasting impact, transforming the healthcare landscape, and fostering a healthier future for the generations to come – for every Filipino in every part of the country, sustainably,” said Michael Schmermer, President and Managing Director of Siemens Healthineers in the Philippines.

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NewsMakers

Meat-free wonder with Pizza Hut’s flavorful seafood options

Make your Lenten season more meaningful with these meat-free meal combos featuring Pizza Hut’s bold and flavorful seafood dishes, available until 2PM every day (plus a pizza combo that you can enjoy anytime).

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If you want to go meat-free this season, it’s never too late to start, and if you’re looking for a satisfying meat-free lunch, then Pizza Hut’s got your back!

Make your Lenten season more meaningful with these meat-free meal combos featuring Pizza Hut’s bold and flavorful seafood dishes, available until 2PM every day (plus a pizza combo that you can enjoy anytime).

First is the SEAFOOD LUNCH FOR 2 set, where you’ll get 1 Regular Seafood Supreme Mega Crunch Pizza, 1 Regular Pasta Shrimp Arrabbiata, 1 order of Mozzarella sticks, and 2 servings of ice-cold Pepsi for only P699.

Going solo? Then you’ll surely love the SEAFOOD LUNCH A set, which comes with 1 Regular Pasta in your choice of either Shrimp Arrabbiata or Shrimp Ala King, and 1 serving of ice-cold Pepsi for only P249.

If you prefer pizza for your solo meal, there’s also the SEAFOOD LUNCH B set, available exclusively for dine-in. It comes with your choice of either 1 Personal Cheese Lovers Pan Pizza or 1 Personal Veggie Lovers Pan Pizza, 2 pieces of Salad Roll in your choice of either Shrimp or Crab, and 1 serving of ice-cold Pepsi for only P199.

Finally, there’s the SEAFOOD PIZZA PAIR, available all day, every day. It comes with 1 Seafood Supreme Mega Crunch Pizza and 1 Cheese Lovers Pan Pizza for only P599 for Regular and P899 for Large.

The SEAFOOD LUNCH B combo is available exclusively for dine-in. Meanwhile, the SEAFOOD LUNCH FOR 2, SEAFOOD LUNCH A, and SEAFOOD PIZZA PAIR combos are available for dine-in and takeout in all Pizza Hut stores nationwide; and for delivery via the (02) 8911-1111 hotline, www.pizzahut.com.ph, the Pizza Hut mobile app, available for Android and iOS, and Pizza Hut’s official delivery partners GrabFood and foodpanda (prices may vary).

Give Pizza Hut a like and a follow on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) so you won’t miss out on the latest news, updates, and offers.

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