The Manila city government will launch its drive-thru vaccination at the Luneta Park to make vaccine deployment easier for residents during the rainy season starting on Saturday, July 31.
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso announced this on Thursday (July 29) as the city government ramps up its vaccination program.
"Ito po yung adjustment na gagawin natin ha kasi naulan ng naulan eh at ang baha kahit saan ano? (We will do this adjustment because of the rain and the flooding)," Domagoso said.
Reservation for the drive-thru vaccination started on Thursday (July 29).
The city government will allot 100 slots for the drive-thru vaccination. Those who want to reserve may go to http://www.manilacovid19vaccine.ph/ for further information.
Domagoso said all those who wish to reserve a slot must register first.
The drive-thru vaccination is free and will start at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday (July 31).
"Adaptation ito sa hamon sa buhay, hindi tayo titigil (This is adapting to the challenges of the times. We will not stop) as I have promised and committed to you," Domagoso said.
On July 21, residents in Manila lined up even in floodwaters at the San Andres Sports Complex to get their first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
Domagoso had earlier said that the vaccination in Manila will continue despite heavy rains and flooding "because COVID-19 will not rest."
Only four-wheel vehicles will be allowed at the drive-thru vaccination area as the city government wants people to be protected when it rains.
"Pag pupunta kayo ng Luneta, 'wag kayong pupunta ng naka bisikleta, 'wag kayong pupunta ng naka motor. Kailangan apat na gulong hanggat maaari kasi nga naulan, inalis ko nga kayo don sa mga baha baha oh eh kayo naman ay nabasa rin ng ulan (Don't go if you're on bicycles or motorcycles. As much as possible, it must be four-wheel vehicles. I did not take you away from the floods to get wet in the rain)," Domagoso said.
Those who managed to reserve a slot can bring a family member of up to four people as long as they are registered for the vaccination.
The drive-thru vaccination is not only open to residents of Manila, according to Domagoso.
The city government also launched on January 18 the drive-thru reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing at the Quirino Grandstand.
Read more: Vaccination in Manila continues despite heavy rains, flooding