AstraZeneca vaccine to be used in third mass inoculation drive

A doctor shows vials of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine in his general practice facility, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Vienna, Austria May 13, 2021. (REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger)

MANILA, Philippines — The government will use AstraZeneca vaccine doses in its third nationwide mass inoculation drive, which it extended until Feb. 18.

The AstraZeneca vaccine doses used as part of the program will cover the adult population, including senior citizens, indigent population, and those in prioritized economic zones.

“As the Philippines grapples with a surge in COVID-19 cases and the emergence of the highly contagious Omicron variant, the government’s latest primary dose and booster programme will pave the way to protect more Filipinos against severe symptoms and deaths caused by the pandemic,” Lotis Ramin,  AstraZeneca Philippines president, said in a statement.

“AstraZeneca is committed to its mission of delivering vaccine doses that help reduce hospitalisations and save lives,” she added.

AstraZeneca will also be used as a third dose booster, with the latest data confirming that it provides an increased immune response against Omicron and other variants.

Close to 40 million doses of AstraZeneca’s vaccine have so far been delivered to the Philippines, through direct supply to the national government, local government units, and the private sector, as well as via COVAX and donations.

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