PH starts COVID-19 vaccination of general population

REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has started its COVID-19 vaccination of the general population, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Monday.

“Amin lamang pong i-a-anunsyo ang pagsisimula ng COVID-19 vaccination sa general adult population,” Vergeire shared during the Department of Health (DOH) forum.

(We would like to announce the start of COVID-19 vaccination among the general adult population.)

“Ayon po sa ating vaccine cluster, headed by our vaccine czar Secretary Charlie Galvez, mayroon na po tayong sapat na supply ng bakuna kontra COVID-19,” she added.

READ: Galvez: Vaccine supply not a problem anymore

(According to our vaccine cluster, headed by vaccine czar Secretary Charlie Galvez, we have enough supply of vaccines.)

However, Vergeire noted that the vaccination program should prioritize senior citizens and persons with comorbidities as they are vulnerable to the severe symptoms of COVID-19.

“Tayo po ay patuloy na nananawagan sa ating mga A2 at A3 na patuloy po tayong magpabakuna. Ito po ay isa sa magiging proteksyon niyo laban sa malubhang sakit at pagkakamatay,” Vergeire said.

In a Viber message, Vergeire mentioned that the guidelines are based on the resolution of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases. A DOH memorandum was issued for the matter.

As of October 10, 23.1 million Filipinos are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

READ: Gov’t reaches 30% of COVID-19 target vaccination with 23.1M individuals fully immunized

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