Muntinlupa to rev up vax drive anew

MANILA, Philippines — The city government of Muntinlupa will intensify its vaccination drive anew after the World Health Organization warned of a surge in COVID-19 cases after the May 9 elections, an official said yesterday.

In a statement, city health office acting chief Dr. Juancho Bunyi said they would set up mobile vaccination hubs at the Muntinlupa Business High School, Muntinlupa Science High School, Pedro E. Diaz High School, Muntinlupa National High School Main and MNHS Annex to increase vaccination coverage among the 12-17 age group.

The city government has also coordinated with private firms for booster shots.

Bunyi said they would like to administer booster shots in schools for teaching and non-teaching personnel, construction sites, public terminals for jeepney and tricycle drivers, markets, BPO companies, banks and convenience stores, among others.

The city government would also provide assistance to administer booster shots to inmates in local jails and Bureau of Corrections facilities.

As of Thursday, the city has administered 511,223 doses of COVID-19 vaccine, which is 116 percent of the city’s total population.

Of the number, 486,579 persons were fully vaccinated and at least 122,149 received their booster shot.

The city government has also inoculated at least 40,640 minors in the 12-17 age group, which represents 72 percent of the group’s target population; while 13,893 children aged five to 11 received their first dose.

As of Friday, the city has only two active cases, with seven of nine barangays having no active cases.