Those who were unable to receive their second dose of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine may still do so by coordinating with the local government for rescheduling.

"Get in touch with the local government...so they can schedule your second dose," Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said in a press briefing in Pasay City where the symbolic vaccination of the A4 group or essential workers was held Monday, June 7.

He also stressed that only nine percent of the (COVID-19) vaccinees have missed their second doses.

Duque also cited the reasons why some vaccinees missed their second dose.

"Either they were sick, they had an emergency in the family, or they have something important to do or go to," he said.

The Health chief then reminded the public to complete their second dose for full protection against COVID-19.

Since the vaccines are still limited, Duque urged local government units (LGUs) to prioritize those 40 to 59 years of age of the A4 group.

"That is where the largest percentage of people who die or are affected by COVID-19 comes from," he said.

An official of the World Health Organization (WHO), meantime, welcomed the inoculation of the A4 group or economic frontliners.

"We welcome any attempt to increase coverage, and we recognize the critical importance of vaccinating frontline workers as key measures to get economic revival," Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO representative to the Philippines, said during the Laging Handa forum.

"At the same time, I want to emphasize that...part of comprehensive response is to use the vaccines, in a way that we maximize the effect of the vaccines, because we know that the vaccines reduce severe cases and deaths," he added.

When asked regarding the plan of the government to expand the vaccination program to include those below 18 years old, and as young as 12 years old, Abeyasinghe said this:"If they are cleared for those age groups as well, and are registered by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) , they may be used to protect vulnerable people within that age, because clearly there are immunocompromised individuals there."

He added that it should not be for the general population of 12 to 18 years old amid the limited supply of the COVID-19 vaccines.

"For a general population perspective, we need to try to protect the elderly as a priority. Once those groups are adequately protected then to the younger age groups," Abeyasinghe said.