By Pearl Gumapos
The fourth round of the nationwide Bayanihan Bakunahan started today (March 10) as the Philippines continues to ramp up its vaccination in other areas across the country.
According to Department of Health (DOH) Sec. Francisco Duque III, the target is to vaccinate 1.8 million Filipinos.
“Iyong ating A2, iyan ay binibigyan natin ng prayoridad. Pero pinapaigting natin ang vaccination coverage sa mga lugar na mababa pa rin ang kanilang coverage kagaya ng BARMM [Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao], Region 7, Region 12, at Region 4B,” Duque said during the Laging Handa public briefing.
The goal for the National Vaccination Day 4 is to administer second doses to senior citizens, as well as minors aged 12 to 17 years old, and to administer booster doses to health workers and economic frontliners.
“Malapit na nating maabot iyong ating 80% of the Philippine population which is 90 million Filipinos na target natin,” Duque added.
Meanwhile, there is no policy yet for booster doses for the pediatric population, and the booster shots only cover 18-year-olds and up.
Duque also said that the government is planning to donate vaccines to other countries like Myanmar, Cambodia, and African countries.
“Yung hindi magagamit at malapit nang mag-expire, ang desisyon dyan ay i-donate sa mga bansang mababa ang vaccine coverage… para makatulong tayo sa mga kapatid natin mula sa ibang bansa na namamayagpag pa rin ang COVID-19 pero ang suplay ng bakuna ay kulang na kulang.” – ag
