IATF urged to let private subdivisions, villages conduct COVID-19 vaccination

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker has urged the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infections Diseases (IATF) to allow private subdivisions and villages to conduct their own COVID-19 vaccination drive for their residents.

Quezon City Rep. Precious Hipolito Castelo said Friday that inoculation sites are now “overcrowded that if there is one asymptomatic person waiting to get his or her shot, he or she could become a super spreader.”

“This will ease congestion in most vaccination centers in Quezon City and other parts of Metro Manila.”

“We are happy that many citizens are willing to get vaccinated despite some unresolved post-vaccination issues, but this problem of congestion is turning them away. They fear they might get the virus in the centers,” she added.

READ: Belmonte: Over 100,000 people get first dose of COVID-19 shot in Quezon City

According to Castelo, her proposal would also help speed up the government’s vaccination program.

“I am sure that villages will not lack volunteer doctors, nurses, and other health professionals who could help in the vaccination. They might even have excess volunteers who could assist adjoining villages,” Castelo said.

“At present, the program is moving at a snail’s pace. Even if there is sufficient vaccine supply, the government would not be able to attain its goal of inoculating at least 70 million Filipinos and achieving herd immunity this year,” she added.

KGA