DOH launches COVID-19 booster program targeting 23 million Filipinos
Several officials participate in the ceremonial vaccination during the launch of the “PinasLakas” campaign at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX). Photo screengrabbed from DOH live
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday launched the “PinasLakas” program, which aimed to administer COVID-19 booster vaccines to at least 23 million people or 50 percent of the eligible population within the first 100 days of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.
Vaccinating 90 percent of elderly people is the DOH’s goal, according to officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire. She attended the launch of the campaign at Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and thanked volunteers, local government units, and other stakeholders.
READ: DOH to launch booster vaccine campaign to reach target under new admin
“Gagawin ho natin ito sa loob ng 100 araw dito sa loob ng ating bagong administrasyon sa pamumuno ni President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.” said Vergeire.
(We will do this within 100 days here within our new administration under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.)
“Ang gagawing mas abot kamay ay ang mga libre at ligtas na booster shots sa pamamagitan ng settings-based approach sa pagbabakuna,” she added.
(We will make free and safe booster shots more accessible through a settings-based approach to vaccination.)
A settings-based approach, she explained, would allow the government to vaccinate the public within their communities.
With this, vaccination will take place in workplaces, factories, schools, churches, markets, plazas, malls, and even transport terminals.
“We will bring the vaccines closer to our people,” said Vergeire.
She then encouraged the public to work with the government to reach this target.
Based on data released by the DOH on Monday, fully-vaccinated individuals are now at 71,546,355 (91.61 percent of the target population), while individuals with booster shots on the total 15,934,251.
Adults can receive a COVID-19 booster shot at least three months after their primary dose or two months after administering a one-dose vaccine.
They can then avail the free booster shot at least five months after the second jab, while kids ages 12 to 17 who are immunocompromised can receive a booster shot after 28 days.
Meanwhile, health workers, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals can already avail their second booster shot at least four months after their first booster dose.
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