By Pearl Gumapos
National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 Adviser Dr. Ted Herbosa on Thursday (Feb. 10) said it is important to reach the 70 million fully vaccinated target by the end of March as the country implements the third round of Bayanihan, Bakunahan.
The two-day massive vaccination drive aims to administer six million doses or four million booster shots and two million of the primary dose series.
“[It’s] very important na maabot natin by March 31 iyong 70 million or 70% ng ating population para fully vaccinated tayo,” Herbosa said during the Laging Handa public briefing.
“Ito ang pangatlong beses na magkakaroon tayo ng vaccination days para mahabol natin iyong 70 million na Filipinos fully vaccinated. Ang target na isinet (set) ng ating vaccine czar Sec. Carlito Galvez ay makagawa tayo ng five million doses na maibakuna natin ngayon at bukas,” he said.
Herbosa said it is possible that the vaccination days may still be extended just like the previous vaccination days. Meanwhile, the vaccination of minors aged five to 11 years old will hopefully be expanded nationwide by Feb. 14, Herbosa said.
During President Rodrigo Duterte’s Talk to the People on Monday (Feb. 7), Secretary Vince Dizon, the Presidential Adviser for COVID-19 response, said the country must “further ramp up” vaccination to cover 70 million fully vaccinated individuals by March and reach 90 million by the end of Duterte’s term.
In line with this, Dizon said they “will start doing this month” and to “hopefully” finish in early March the plan for the country’s transition to the new normal. -ag
Watch the full interview with Dr. Herbosa here:
