In line with its efforts to help in the fight against coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Saturday, July 2, announced that it already vaccinated more than 21,000 individuals against the deadly virus.
The PRC considered the inoculation of thousands of individuals as a “breakthrough.”
As of July 2, PRC was able to vaccinate a total of 21,886 individuals through its “Bakuna Centers” nationwide.
“Philippine Red Cross has always been first, always ready, and always there,” PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Senator Richard Gordon said.
“I can't thank our staff and volunteers enough for their determination and passion to help save the lives of our fellow Filipinos, especially the most vulnerable,” he added.
The PRC has vaccinated with AstraZeneca, Sinovac, and Pfizer ever since its “Bakuna Centers” opened earlier this year.
Meanwhile, PRC also announced that it is now offering Moderna vaccines.
The EU-made vaccines arrived at the PRC’s “Bakuna Center” in the National Headquarters in Mandaluyong City.
As of July 3, a total of 80 Moderna vaccine vials were offered to individuals. PRC said that more jabs will be arriving in the coming months.
Citing recent studies, PRC noted that say that this particular vaccine “shows promising effectiveness in dealing with the Delta variant.”
“We will continue to be the government’s ally when it comes to vaccination since PRC has the manpower, the resources, and the commitment to help protect against this invisible enemy that is the COVID19 virus,” Gordon said.
PRC explained that Moderna or mRNA-1273 is an “authorized vaccine that can help protect” people from COVID-19. For full protection, it requires two shots and should be taken 28 days apart.
Meanwhile, PRC clarified that people should not be brand conscious when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines and the public should not “wait for a specific brand.”
“All are currently authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines,” PRC said. “The best COVID-19 vaccine is the first one that is available to you,” it added.