President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on the public to keep their vaccines updated as he led the launch of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccination on Wednesday, June 21.
In his speech at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City, Marcos noted that new COVID-19 variants pose a risk to vulnerable populations, particularly senior citizens and immunocompromised individuals.
“That is why we should not be complacent and that is why we institute programs like this which continue to seek to protect our vulnerable populace, our vulnerable sectors of our populace and that particular demographic in this case is that of the elderly,” he said.
“But rest assured that with the use of science-based strategies and a whole-of-society approach, these risks will remain manageable. It cannot be denied that vaccines have played an integral role in our fight against COVID-19,” he added.
Marcos also said that having an updated vaccine will help prevent the resurgence of COVID-19 cases, honoring the sacrifices and efforts of health workers and scientists who work to restore normalcy from the pandemic.
“This is not for your own good alone but also for the protection of your families and the general public. Government-assisted vaccines, including the bivalent doses, are free for every Filipino,” he said.
Meanwhile, Marcos expressed his gratitude to health workers anew, the Department of Health, and government and private offices who contributed to the national vaccination program.
He also thanked the World Health Organization’s COVAX Facility “for the continuing assistance” even after the height of the pandemic. AG – gb
