March 29, 2024

The newly shipped 1,082,250 doses of Pfizer vaccine came just in time to boost the upcoming second leg of the national vaccination days from Dec. 15 to 17.

Dr. Maria Paz Corrales of the National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF) welcomed on Dec. 8 the government-procured jabs and urged the public to get their shot as soon as possible and take part in the three-day vaccination drive.

Please get vaccinated for a merry Christmas, especially next week where we will stage the second phase of the national vaccination days,” she said.

The government targets to inoculate about seven million people during the massive vaccination campaign, the second of its kind after the successful first leg from Nov. 29 to Dec. 3.

The three-day drive is nationwide but Corrales said the government will identify 20 key priority areas where the inoculation rate is low, including those in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Mindanao.

Amid the threats of the Omicron variant, Corrales advised the public to avoid or limit time spent in crowded areas and to always observe physical distancing.

What we advocate is the usual, the standard health protocols like wearing of a mask, washing of hands, and physical distancing,” she said.

We’re still in alert level 2, meaning we still have certain protocols that we need to follow. Of course, vaccination is number one,” she added.

The Philippines target to reach population protection and vaccinate at least 54 million people before 2021 ends. – PNA