DOH eyes increasing vaccine coverage of senior citizens before downgrading to Alert Level 1
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health is looking into increasing the vaccine coverage of senior citizens to 80 percent before downgrading an area to Alert Level 1.
Of the 10.2-million target among senior citizens, 2.4 million remain unvaccinated against COVID-19 while around 70 percent of senior citizens are fully vaccinated.
“We are looking at magbigay tayo ng requirements. So, at least 70 percent nabakunahan na sa area. Nakita naman natin dito sa NCR (National Capital Region), mataas ang bakuna. So, hindi masyadong nagsu-surge ang cases,” said Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje during Monday’s Laging Handa briefing when asked if the alert level could be relaxed to Alert Level 1.
(We are looking at giving requirements. So, at least 70 percent vaccination rate in the area. We see here in NCR, the vaccination coverage is high. So, cases do not surge.)
READ: First 2 Omicron deaths unvaccinated seniors – DOH
“Alam natin at-risk and vulnerable, baka kailangan bago ibaba sa mga alert level pinag-uusapan ‘yan eh taasan ‘yung coverage ng mga senior citizens sa 80 percent para nang sa ganu’n ma-push din natin ‘yung pagbabakuna,” she added.
(We may need to ramp up vaccination to 80 percent for senior citizens before deescalating to Alert Level 1.)
“Kasi alam naman natin sila ‘yung pinaka-most at risk. Sila din ang magpu-push ng ating mga kaso kung sila ay nagkasakit,” Cabotaje pointed out.
(We know that they are the most at risk. They will prompt the cases to spike when they get infected.)
To date, at least 61 million of the 77-million target population are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 across the country.
READ: PH shoots past 61 million individuals fully vaccinated vs COVID-19
Currently, Alert Level 3 is raised in Davao de Oro, Davao Occidental, Guimaras, Iloilo City, Iloilo Province, South Cotabato, and Zamboanga City.
READ: Metro Manila to stay under COVID-19 Alert Level 2 until Feb 28; Alert Level 3 up in 7 areas
Metro Manila and the rest of the country are under Alert Level 2.
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For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.
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