Only 10% of target population has received boosters

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday reported that only about 10 percent of the target population has received boosters against COVID-19.

“On boosters, I admit we are still low. Nationally, we are about 10 percent only. Close to that. The discrepancy is really because of the time difference between second dose and booster shot. Three months at least,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque explained, as he hoped booster coverage would go up by the end of March.

Duque said increasing the booster coverage nationwide is one of the reasons behind the mounting of another round of National Vaccination Days.

Concerning pediatric vaccination, Duque said about 38,000 children aged five to 11 have already been vaccinated, with only four reporting adverse reactions following vaccination.

“The vaccines are safe, but it can’t be avoided that there could be minor side effects following immunization,” Duque said in a mix of English and Filipino, noting only 0.01 percent of the pediatric population recorded minor adverse events.

New vaccination venues

A train station and a branch of a popular fastfood chain yesterday hosted the government’s ongoing “National Vaccination Days 3: Bayanihan Bakunahan” COVID vaccination program.

The Baclaran station of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) yesterday opened its doors to 140 passengers who wanted COVID-19 booster doses. The vaccination would be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., lasting for two days.

Those aged 12 and up seeking booster doses at the Baclaran station today should bring their vaccination cards and their own pens, and follow health and safety protocols, reminded LRT-1 operator Light Rail Manila Corp. Senior citizens, indigent population, and individuals in economic zones will be given priority, it added.

Meanwhile, the Valenzuela City government announced yesterday that it set up a COVID-19 vaccination site at the Jollibee-BBB Marulas branch.

The vaccination site, which can give first, second and booster doses, was open to both Valenzuela residents and outsiders aged 18 and above.

They would be asked to present a ValTrace QR code, valid identification card, medical certificate, ballpen, and vaccination card for those getting booster doses.

Workers who will not be able to report for work to accompany their children in getting vaccinated against COVID may still receive their daily pay, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

In an advisory, DOLE encourages employers to allow their workers to accompany their children for vaccination without considering them absent from their job.

“Provided that they present proof of vaccination of their children, the employee should not be considered absent,” Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said. – Ghio Ong