DOH: 68.4 million individuals in PH fully vaxxed vs COVID-19

A boy gets his first COVID-19 vaccination on the first day of the government drive for children aged 5 to 11 at the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center on Monday, Feb. 7, 2022. (Photo from the Facebook account of the Department of Health)

MANILA, Philippines — Around 68.4 million individuals in the country are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said Monday.

Cabotaje said the figure accounts for 76 percent of the government’s target of 90 million vaccinees before President Rodrigo Duterte’s term ends in June.

“As of May 8, meron na tayong 68.4 million na fully vaccinated. Ito ay 76 percent ng ating target na 90 million,” she said in a Laging Handa public briefing.

Cabotaje however said the number of individuals who received a booster shot remains low.

“’Yung ating booster 1 ay nasa 13.4 million. Medyo mabagal. May mga 38.6 million pa na kailangan natin bigyan natin ng first booster,” she shared.

(Those who received their first booster are at 13.4 million. It is quite slow. We still have 38.6 million people who need to get their first booster.)

To date, all individuals who have completed their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines are eligible to receive the first booster shot.

The Food and Drug Administration meanwhile approved the second booster shot for health workers, senior citizens, and persons with comorbidities.

However, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has only approved of the administration of the second booster shot for immunocompromised individuals.

Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez earlier recommended the inclusion of seafarers and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the list of those qualified to get a second booster dose.

Cabotaje said OFWs have been included in the A1 priority group, subject to the recommendation of the Health Technology Assessment Council.

/MUF