DOH: Marcos admin wants 90% of seniors vaxxed vs. COVID-19 in Bongbong’s first 100 days

The administration wants the Department of Health to vaccinate against COVID-19 90% of the country's senior citizens within President Ferdinand Marcos' first 100 days in office, Department of Health officer in charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Friday.

In the latest episode of The Mangahas Interviews, Vergeire said the DOH was looking to have a “high impact” on Filipinos' safety against the dreaded coronavirus.

“We were given these marching orders na dapat bago dumating 'yung first 100 days sa kanyang pagkakaupo bilang Presidente, kailangan at least yung 90% ng senior citizens sa buong bansa, matapos nating bakunahan, unang-una 'yan,” said Vergeire.

“Gusto natin magkaroon ng high impact ang first 100 days that's why we are targeting the most vulnerable and that is our senior citizens. Pangalawa, kailangan marating natin 'yung coverage at least 50% ng ating eligible population for booster shots,” she added.

As of July 12, 71 million Filipinos have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Only 15.3M, meanwhile, have availed the booster doses.

To further improve the vaccination rate especially the delivery of booster shots, Vergeire said the DOH would coordinate with other government agencies to make the COVID-19 shots more accessible to the public.

“Ilalapit natin ang ating mga bakuna sa ating mga komunidad. Ginagawa na natin dati pero mas ilalapit natin. We will do that by settings, ibig sabihin, hindi pangmalawakan,” Vergeire said.

“Gagawa po tayo ng mga settings na pang malawakan para nakakatulong din ang ibang ahensya," she added.

Vergeire said there would be vaccination sites in schools with the help of the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education.

There will also be vaccination sites at churches, markets, malls, and in the communities.

"We will work with the DILG on that," Vergeire said.

The DOTr will also help in putting up vaccination areas at bus terminals and train stations.

Vergeire asked the public to remain vigilant amid the uptick of COVID-19 cases in the country. She urged Filipinos to avail their booster doses and to continue adhering to the minimum public health standards. —NB, GMA News