Marikina, Pateros start vaccinations of non-residents — MMDA

(FILE) MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos visited vaccination sites in some parts of Metro Manila to ensure an orderly process amid the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine. Image from MMDA

MANILA, Philippines — Marikina City and Pateros have started vaccinations for non-residents after reaching their respective COVID-19 vaccination targets, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Saturday.

Earlier, the cities of San Juan and Mandaluyong have also started the vaccinations of non-residents in their respective areas after vaccinating more than 70 percent of their target populations.

“Considering that each LGUs (local government units) have established effective vaccination sites and highly trained manpower; further considering that some LGUs have almost hit their targets; they have decided to accept more non-residents in their vaccination operations,” said Benhur Abalos in a statement.

Abalos said priority vaccinees will be those from the other local government units in Metro Manila and then those from the nearby provinces of Cavite, Bulacan, Rizal, and Laguna.

All vaccinations should be done by schedule with no walk-in vaccinees allowed, the MMDA said.

Meanwhile, Abalos warned fully vaccinated people who would attempt getting booster shots that they will face charges if caught as the Department of Information and Communications is now developing a mechanism that enables LGUs to exchange data in order to prevent individuals from getting more than the required two vaccine doses.

Abalos said the recent development was in line with the “vax as one” concept that was adopted by the Metro Manila Council (MMC).

The MMC, composed of the 17 Metro Manila mayors, is the policy-making body of the MMDA.

/MUF