Gov’t sets fourth national vaccination days early March

MANILA, Philippines — The government set its fourth national COVID-19 vaccination drive, dubbed “Bayanihan, Bakunahan,” for early March.

“About the week of March 7 ang ating (is our) [National Vaccination Days] 4. We are still finalizing the concept,” Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said during Saturday’s Laging Handa public briefing.

The fourth Bayanihan, Bakunahan will focus on senior citizens, minors aged 12 to 17, and areas with low vaccination coverage.

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier reported that 2.4 million senior citizens remain unvaccinated against the coronavirus.

READ: DOH: 2.4 million senior citizens still not vaccinated vs COVID-19

Meanwhile, the vaccination of the 12- to 17-year olds seeks to prepare the age group for the resumption of face-to-face classes.

READ: 304 schools are ready to join limited face-to-face classes—DepEd

Cabotaje said that the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Central Visayas have logged low immunization turnout.

READ: BARMM battles jab refusal, hesitancy

Likewise, primary doses and booster shots will be administered in the fourth Bayanihan, Bakunahan, said Cabotaje.

“Tapos syempre ‘yung mga hindi pa nagbakuna ng first dose, second dose kailangan pa rin natin improve ‘yung ating first dose, second dose. And later on, ‘yung ating mga boosters,” she said.

(Of course, those who are yet to receive their first dose and second dose, we have to improve it as well. And later on, boosters will be given.)

As of February 25, around 63 million individuals in the country are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, DOH reported.

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