DOH, DILG urge LGUs to ramp up vax efforts vs Covid-19


Coronavirus vaccines have been prepared for distribution at a vaccination site in Manila on May 18, 2021. (Ali Vicoy/Manila Bulletin)

The Health and Interior departments renewed their calls for local government units (LGUs) to further double their efforts in vaccinating their eligible constituents against Covid-19.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said that they are expecting that LGUs will again ramp up their vaccination efforts now that the elections are over.

“We appeal to all local government units again to ramp-up vaccination. We understand the situation because of the elections, so many of our local government officials including the employees of local government units were busy assisting the Comelec, as Comelec deputies, and campaigning for their re-election,” he said.

The threat of Covid-19 virus still remains at this point in time, said Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje.

“We also want to emphasize that the virus is unpredictable, ever-changing, which is why we should not put our guards down,” said Cabotaje.

The DOH also once again urged the public to complete their vaccination as vaccines are now accessible.

“Vaccines are made more accessible through vaccination sites in pharmacies, schools, churches, and transportation centers - as well as the conducting of house-to-house vaccination,” the state health agency said.

“Getting vaccinated is the best-defense and best long-term solution in this pandemic,” it added.

About 69.1 million Filipinos were already fully vaccinated as of May 26. Aside from the primary vaccination series, the government is also offering booster shots against Covid-19. Adult individuals or those 18-years-old and above are eligible to get a booster shot. Meanwhile, the DOH advised the health workers, senior citizens, and immunocompromised adults to get their second booster dose.