WHO concerned over low vaccination rate among elderly in Philippines

The World Health Organization (WHO) Philippines on Friday expressed alarm over the low COVID-19 vaccination rates among senior citizens in some local government units amid the threat of the more infectious Delta variant.

In a statement, the WHO said the slow rollout among seniors made the country’s hospitals vulnerable to being overwhelmed due to severe cases among the age group as well as possible higher deaths.

“We are very concerned that most of our older, more vulnerable people are still missing out on essential, life-saving vaccines against COVID-19,” WHO Representative to the Philippines Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe said.

“Not vaccinating most of our elderly now means more of them will suffer from severe illness and death. This is unacceptable when we already have adequate vaccine stocks to protect them,” he added.

As of Monday, the Philippines has administered over 17 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

A total of 2,836,224 seniors have received their first dose against the illness while 1,600,558 have been fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, the country has recorded 216 cases of the Delta variant.

LGU vaccination

WHO lauded Pasig City and Las Piñas for their successful vaccination of seniors as it said that both have partially vaccinated 100% of seniors by mid-July.

“Such achievement is commendable and should be acknowledged,” WHO said.

However, it noted that Region 5 and the Bangsamoro Region have partially vaccinated less than 20% of their seniors.

“In addition to low coverage, more concerning is the focus of some LGUs to predominantly vaccinate the lower-risk A4 group,” it said.

“WHO urges LGUs to reorient their efforts and resources on aiming for 100% percent coverage among the elderly as early as possible. Except for the Janssen vaccine, two doses are needed for higher protection against hospitalization and death from COVID-19,” it added.

Malacañang on Friday announced that NCR will be placed under the enhanced community quarantine from August 6 to 20 in light of the threat posed by the Delta coronavirus variant.

ECQ is the most stringent community classification in the country.

The Palace assured that the government’s COVID-19 vaccination program would proceed.

The government aims to vaccinate 58 million Filipinos in highly urbanized areas for population protection. Herd immunity against COVID-19 may be achieved by vaccinating at least 70% of the country’s population. —NB, GMA News