Unvaccinated Dagupan residents and those needing booster shots troop to the vaccination venue at the Dagupan City Astrodome in this photo taken Jan. 5. (Photo by WILLIE LOMIBAO / Inquirer Northern Luzon)
MANILA, Philippines — Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said the country could prevent another surge in COVID-19 cases by ramping up vaccinations and “maintaining the wall of immunity,” especially among the estimated 53 million Filipinos who have yet to receive booster shots.
This comes as the World Health Organization warned that the Philippines risks a steep rise in infections — up to 300,000 new cases — if it continues to neglect compliance with minimum health standards.
The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday also noted a gradual increase of Covid-19 cases in 14 areas across the country.
Concepcion on Wednesday made the following suggestions to help reaccelerate the vaccination drive: require booster cards, put an expiry date on primary vaccination cards (pertaining to the first two shots), and allow first booster shots for 12 to 17 year-olds and a second booster for vulnerable sectors as soon as possible.
According to data gathered by the Concepcion-led Go Negosyo movement, only 13.7 percent of Filipinos have received COVID-19 booster shots as of April 13, while 74.1 percent have received their first two shots and are thus counted as “fully vaccinated.”
Among the 53 million who have yet to get boosters are seniors and youths in the 12-17 age bracket.
“There are around 27 million vaccines expiring in July and 53 million more in storage,” Concepcion said. “That’s more than enough for our needs.”
He warned that it might be too late if people wait for a new surge in cases before getting their boosters.
“Why take the risk? We should realize the whole implication here,” he stressed.
“Let’s maintain the wall of immunity and don’t let those vaccines go to waste. Let’s protect ourselves and allow the economy to grow and help our citizens.”
—ROY STEPHEN C. CANIVEL
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