Why keeping up with vaccines even as an adult matters
The death of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, known to Filipino audiences for her role in the early 2000s drama Meteor Garden, has drawn attention to the risks of flu-related complications and the importance of routine adult vaccinations, according to medical experts in the Philippines.
Hsu, who was 48, reportedly died after developing complications linked to influenza. While details remain limited, health professionals have used the incident to highlight how even mild illnesses can lead to serious consequences.
“Even healthy adults are not exempt from contracting preventable and potentially fatal diseases,” said Dr. Ryan Raymond Y. Bautista of Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “Minor infections like the flu can lead to missed work, rising healthcare costs, or even hospitalization.”
With the flu season ongoing in the Philippines, MakatiMed has issued a reminder on key vaccines for adults to reduce risk of complications and protect public health.
Flu vaccine – Influenza is a viral infection that can cause high fever, cough, sore throat, and in some cases, serious conditions such as pneumonia. Dr. Bautista explained that flu vaccines in the Philippines are typically administered annually before the cooler months begin in January. The available variants include quadrivalent, adjuvanted (for people aged 65 and up), and jet injector (for those 18 to 64 years old). “It takes about two weeks for the body to develop antibodies after vaccination,” he said.
Pneumonia vaccine – Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, pneumonia remains the third leading cause of death in the Philippines across all age groups. MakatiMed recommends that adults over 60 receive the PCV13 vaccine followed by PPSV23 a year later. Newer versions such as PCV15 and PCV20 provide broader protection and may not require additional doses. For those aged 18 to 64, PCV13 is typically sufficient.
Tdap vaccine – The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). These bacterial infections affect breathing and can lead to severe complications. “Adults should get the Tdap vaccine once if they haven’t had it before, then a booster every 10 years,” Dr. Bautista said. The vaccine is also recommended for pregnant women and adults caring for newborns.
Common side effects of these vaccines include fever, chills, and localized pain at the injection site. “These symptoms generally resolve within a few days,” Bautista said.
While reactions may cause temporary discomfort, MakatiMed stressed that the long-term benefits outweigh the risks. “Getting vaccinated protects not only your health, but also the well-being of those around you,” Bautista added.
