Año wants 24/7 COVID-19 vaccination in Metro Manila as soon as possible

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Monday pointed out the need to have COVID-19 vaccination offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in Metro Manila to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus.

Interviewed on CNN Philippines, Año added that local government units will go overtime and set evening schedules for the vaccinations amid stricter restrictions in Metro Manila.

“As soon as possible, kailangan talaga natin 'yan. Ito ay isa sa pinakamagandang paraan para mapabagal at ma-address ang transmission,” he said when asked if he would push for 24/7 vaccination.

(As soon as possible, we really need that. This is one of the best ways to slow down and address the transmission [of the coronavirus].)

He added that they are targeting to administer four million doses of COVID-19 vaccine in Metro Manila.

In Manila, Mayor Isko Moreno has bared the plan of the LGU to open a 24/7 COVID-19 vaccination, according to GMA News’ Tina Panganiban-Perez.

The “24/7 Walang Tulugang Bakunahan” will be done during the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine from August 6 to 20.

Moreno called for volunteers from medical and non-medical fields to help the 24/7 vaccination in the city.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Benhur Abalos Jr. on Saturday said Metro Manila mayors have agreed to continue with the 250,000 vaccinations a day during the two-week reimposed enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the National Capital Region from August 6 to 20.

On Saturday, the National Task Force (NTF) against COVID-19 recommended the vaccination of Metro Manila residents even if they do not belong to any priority group.

The recommendation came after the request of Metro Manila Mayors for a supply of four million doses of COVID-19 vaccines was approved.

The Philippines has received over 32 million COVID-19 vaccine doses manufactured by AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Sinovac, Gamaleya, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson as of Friday.

As of July 27, a total of 18,174,405 vaccine doses have already been administered, according to the NTF.

At least 7.8 million people are already fully vaccinated, presidential spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque said on Friday.

The government is eyeing to vaccinate 58 million people in highly urbanized areas by the end of the year for herd immunity amid limited COVID-19 vaccine supply.

To reach herd immunity, the country has to inoculate 70% to 80% of its 109 million population. —KG/RSJ, GMA News