Philippines
National
Mandatory vaccination for workers possible, says Concepcion, 'if turnout is poor'
Mandatory vaccination for workers possible, says Concepcion, 'if turnout is poor'
Requiring workers to get a coronavirus vaccine could be a possibility in case of a low turnout in the immunization drive, according to a government adviser.
Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion has appealed, however, to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to step up efforts to convince workers to get vaccinated against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The nation should not wait for a bill seeking a mandatory vaccination against the coronavirus, he said.
“The DOLE has to enjoin and encourage employees to take the vaccine. It is the only solution that will allow us to open the economy,” he said in a statement Wednesday, April 28
“Let’s not wait for legislation that will make vaccines mandatory. But it will come to that point if the turnout is poor," he added.
Malacañang earlier said the government is not yet inclined to enforce compulsory vaccination especially since the country has a shortage of supply. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the matter can be studied once there is sufficient vaccine stocks in the country.
In a statement, Concepcion highlighted the importance of vaccinating the country's workforce to hasten economic recovery. He said vaccinating the employed would enable businesses to resume operations and help put the economy back on track to recovery.
The initial supply of coronavirus vaccines purchased by the private sector is expected to arrive this coming June.
“We expect the vaccines to be here by June, and if that happens and the turnout is still low, I don’t think we will be able to win this battle,” said Concepcion, founder of Go Negosyo.
He said coronavirus vaccine was the "only weapon" to win the war against the invisible enemy.
"Vaccination is the only way we can get through this pandemic,” he said. “If we want our employment to go up, then we must really open the economy and the only way is to bring down the level of infections. The only way to do that is through vaccines,” he added.
On Labor Day, the team of Concepcion plans to launch "Let’s GO Bakuna" campaign to address any misinformation about the vaccines and boost public confidence in them. The campaign includes a series of webinars and townhall meetings to tackle importation of COVID-19 vaccination.