Staff and volunteers of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Saturday, Aug. 14, brought a "Bakuna Bus" to Hospicio de San Jose in Manila to vaccinate senior citizens and staff of the hospice.
“Regardless of the current challenges that we are facing, the Red Cross will always be there,” said PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Gordon. “We stand to provide hope for the most vulnerable whom we serve without discrimination,” he added.
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LOOK: Philippine Red Cross sends its ‘Bakuna Bus’ to Hospicio de San Jose to vaccinate senior citizens and staff ( from @philredcross) @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/83iybuqy00
— Merlina Hernando-Malipot (@MB_InaHernando) August 14, 2021
Despite the restrictions brought about by the imposition of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), Gordon directed the PRC staff and volunteers to drive one of its “Bakuna Bus” to the hospice.
The target was to vaccinate 100 to 150 senior citizens and staff of Hospicio.
“All the PRC volunteers and staff are to increase their efforts to fight against COVID-19,” Gordon said. “What is important is that we do our mission which is to serve humankind,” he added.
Meanwhile, PRC Health Manager Mark Abrigo explained that the PRC “Bakuna Bus” parked at the Hospicio de San Jose in Manila aims cater to senior citizens, bed-ridden clients, persons with comorbidities, and health workers with J&J from the PRC National Headquarters.
“The patients admitted who can walk will be vaccinated inside the Bakuna Bus,” PRC Manila Chapter Administrator Crisanta Cayetano said. “As for the bed-ridden clients, the PRC volunteer vaccinators will be administering their J&J shots inside the hospital,” she added.
As of Aug. 10, the five PRC “Bakuna” buses have already vaccinated 5,608 individuals. It targets to vaccinate more people in the weeks to come.
PRC noted that the vaccine is free of charge but it shoulders all other costs under the COVID-19 Vaccination Program of the government including, but not limited, to syringes, mobilization, and allowances of vaccinators.
Interested individuals may register by calling the PRC hotline at 1158.
“Sa paglaban natin sa pandemyang ito, hindi natin dapat nakakalimutan ang mga kababayan natin na walang wala. Kaya naman agad tayong kumilos para mapabakunahan na sila dito (As we fight this pandemic, we must not forget our countrymen who have nothing. That is why we must act immediately so that they can be vaccinated here),” Gordon said.