The Philippine government has extended the third round of its massive COVID-19 vaccination drive dubbed as “Bayanihan, Bakunahan 3” until February 18, according to the National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC).
The event this month, which aims to vaccinate more individuals with COVID-19 primary dose series and booster shots, was initially set to take place for two days from February 10 to 11.
Based on NVOC data, more than 600,000 doses or 13% of the five million target were administered during the first day of the campaign.
“May official abiso ng ating mga principal na i-extend hanggang February 18 kasi sayang naman ‘yung preparation, and many of our healthcare workers are just coming in from quarantine and isolation, so medyo mabagal-bagal,” NVOC Chairperson USec. Myrna Cabotaje said.
Initial assessment showed that more individuals were administered with primary dose series, or the first and second dose, compared to booster shots.
Among the top performing regions for booster shot administration are Regions 1, 3, and 4A. Cabotaje said the campaign for booster shot inoculation must be strengthened.
“Akala ng iba, tama na ‘yung dalawang doses sa kanila, so we are saying that nagwe-wane, bumababa ‘yung efficacy ng vaccine after the first two doses. Alam naman natin na last year, medyo matagal-tagal na rin ‘yung naka-second dose,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Philippines has already vaccinated 52,000 children ages 5 to 11 years old since it began the expanded vaccination for the younger age group earlier this week. – Report from Mark Fetalco/AG
