Manila Zoo eyed as vaccination site for minors, senior citizens
MANILA, Philippines — The Manila City government is eyeing the newly-redeveloped Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden for repurposing as a vaccination site for senior citizens and minors aged 5 to 11 with the national government set to roll out pediatric vaccination in the first week of February.
In a statement, Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno, who is running for president under Aksyon Demokratiko said the 5-hectare recreation facility is an ideal spot given its open spaces.
Per data from the Department of Health, there are around 13.5 million children aged 5 to 11 in the country.
“We thought, because of the people requesting at the Manila Zoo, at least they should have a sneak peek. And there are many things to visit here - open air, clear. Double purpose, they can visit with their grandchildren or grandparents,” Moreno said during his visit to the zoo.
Under Alert Level 3, though, leisure activities like contact sports, funfairs, as well as live voice and wind instrument events are prohibited. It is unclear if zoo visits fall under this category.
The city government said that doses of Pfizer that will be used for the pediatric vaccination — the only vaccine granted Emergency Use Authorization by the Food and Drug Administration for the age group — are expected by the end of January.
Moreno said minors aged 12-17 along with their parents and other family members can already go to Manila Zoo to get inoculated for the time being.
To ensure minimum health protocols will be strictly followed, Moreno said Manila Zoo’s daily foot traffic will be limited to 500 or 1,000 people only.
"In order not to violate the IATF rules, due diligence will be observed by the city, and we will put a cap. There will be registration. We will also launch the Manila Zoo website, so that those who want to get vaccinated can register,” Moreno pointed out.
Expansion of vax sites continues in capital city
Last Thursday, the city opened the 4-wheel drive-through booster vaccination in front of the Quirino Grandstand, prompting the Manila mayor to make it a 24-hour daily operation with the vaccinators working on an 8-hour shift.
Along with the city's drive-through vaccination site, the Manila Zoo vaccination site will be open to both residents and non-residents of Manila.
“We saw the response of people to the drive-through 24/7 booster caravan in Luneta. Last night, we added an additional two lanes, but the demand for boosters is still growing," Moreno said.
“Vaccinations will continue in health centers, schools and malls. Now, we also have the Manila Zoo...It is going to be a daily thing. You'll be able to talk a walk around while also getting protected."
The nearly five-hectare facility, known as the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, opened to the public in July 1959 but has not undergone a major renovation since then. The zoo was closed temporarily in January 2019 for upgrade and renovation.
— Franco Luna
A new thread on the Philippines' vaccination program in 2021 in the government's revised objective to reach "population protection." Bookmark our COVID-19 and Vaccination Dashboard for the latest figures on the pandemic in the Philippines. — Main image: The STAR/Michael Varcas, file
The city government of Valenzuela City announces that it is temporarily suspending the use of Pfizer bivalent COVID-19 vaccines as they wait for more vaccine supplies.
ADVISORY: Pansamantalang inihinto ang pagbabakuna ng Pfizer bivalent COVID-19 vaccine sa Valenzuela habang naghihintay ng karagdagang supply. (????: Valenzuela LGU) pic.twitter.com/j4yO52jgMN
— PTVph (@PTVph) August 7, 2023
Pasig City government announces the schedule of COVID-19 vaccination in the city from July 15 until July 28.
It advises residents that first, second dose and first and 2nd booster shots are available on a first come, first serve basis in its designated vaccination sites.
Among the available vaccine brands is Sinovac for 6 years old and above. It adds that there are no Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines yet for residents age 12 and above.
Schedule ng Pagbabakuna sa Pasig City |07/25/2023-07/28/2023 | First Come, First Served Basis
— Pasig Info (@PasigInfo) July 24, 2023
Tingnan ang material para sa vaccination sites kung saan makakapagpa - 1st at 2nd dose, at 1st at 2nd booster shot; at kung ano ang mga dapat dalhin sa araw ng pagbabakuna
1/3 pic.twitter.com/yqKG0S41CM
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to lead the rollout of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccination at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City. — The STAR/Helen Flores
President Marcos will lead the launch of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccination at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City on Wednesday morning. (Photo courtesy of MPC pool) | @helenmflores pic.twitter.com/wbB2An7xgg
— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) June 21, 2023
The Department of Health reminds public that they can still avail of the COVID-19 booster and bivalent booster. It reposted an infographic that determines when it is best to get the first two boosters and the bivalent booster.
Senior citizens and frontline health workers may now get their second booster shots, particularly mRNA jabs such as Moderna and Pfizer, the Department of Health announces. — Gaea Katreena Cabico
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