The Department of Health (DOH) will launch on Monday, Sept. 26, a nationwide special vaccination drive called "PinasLakas Bakunahang Bayan" in order to intensify efforts for the country's Covid-19 booster coverage.
Eligible Filipinos were urged to coordinate with their respective local government units (LGUs) regarding the schedule of vaccination in their areas.
"Punta na sa Bakunahang Bayan simula bukas ng September 26-30, 2022! Magpa-rehistro na sa inyong LGU para makapagpa-bakuna at booster na! (Go to your vaccination sites for the Bakunahang Bayan starting tomorrow, September 26 until 30. Get registered with your respective LGUs to get vaccinated and boosted)," the DOH posted on its official Facebook page on Sunday, Sept. 25.
DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire is expected to attend the program’s launch in Cavite.
“I’ll be attending in Trece, Martires, if weather permits,” Vergeire said in a Viber message to reporters on Sunday. Vergeire was referring to Super Typhoon Karding that is expected to affect parts of Luzon.
Vergeire is expected to visit on Monday the Trece Martires City Public Market and Covered Court Brgy. Manggahan, General Trias, Cavite, the DOH-Calabarzon said in a statement.
To note, the DOH is aiming to vaccinate 30 percent of those who are already eligible to receive the first booster shot. The DOH aims to achieve this goal by Oct. 8—marking the first 100 days of the Marcos administration.
Originally, the target was set to 50 percent. However, “due to the pace” at which the booster vaccination is going, the DOH adjusted the target down to 30 percent.
As of Sept. 20, there were 18.8 million people who have already received their first booster shot, which is equivalent to 24 percent of the eligible population.