Listen to Duque: Get COVID-19 booster shots – Duterte

Unvaccinated residents and those needing booster shots rush to the Dagupan City Astrodome for COVID-19 jabs after the city government announced its implementation of a “no vax, no entry” policy in the city’s establishments. This photo was taken on Jan. 5, 2022. (Photo by WILLIE LOMIBAO / Inquirer Northern Luzon)

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte urged the public on Monday to get booster shots against COVID-19, amid a low rate of people getting the supplementary injection.

“Listen to Dr. Duque. Get your booster dose for additional protection against COVID-19, especially against variants like Omicron,” Duterte said in Filipino, referring to Health Secretary Francisco Duque II, during his taped weekly “Talk to the People” briefing.

Duterte then assured the public that the vaccines had already been proven to be safe and effective.

“Don’t worry because our vaccines have been studied closely by experts. These are guaranteed to be of good quality, safe, and most of all, effective. You will live,” he said.

“Those who don’t get vaccinated will surely die when the time comes. You are hard-headed,” he added.

Duterte stressed the point after both the Department of Health (DOH) and the National Task Force Against COVID-19 revealed a low booster rate in the eligible population.

Only 29 percent — or 9.7 million of the 33.5 million qualified individuals — have gotten their boosters, the DOH said earlier.

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