Vaccinating seniors still a challenge despite robust jab numbers, says Galvez

The vaccination of senior citizens, one of the most vulnerable groups for COVID-19, is still a challenge due to their hesitancy despite increasing numbers available vaccines in the country, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said Monday.

"Mr. President ang talagang medyo challenge natin sa senior citizens. Nakita natin na hindi umaangat ang first dose natin... dahil sa some sort of hesitancy sa ating mga A2," Galvez said in the weekly Cabinet briefing on COVID-19 response.

Based on government data, 2,616,273 senior citizens were fully vaccinated versus COVID-19.

To date, Philippines fully vaccinated 9,115,963 Filipinos which is 12.87% of targeted eligible population and 8.21% of Philippines' total population.

In total, the country administered 20,863,544 doses of various vaccines with 11,747,581 Filipinos who got their first dose.

Galvez said the government was able to surpass its target of 7 million fully vaccinated Filipinos by end of July. Last month, 9 million Filipinos were fully protected against COVID-19.

25 million doses monthly needed

To meet the country's monthly demand for vaccination, Galvez said they need to makes available 25 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines every month.

Currently, the Philippines received a total of 34,275,740 doses, including 16,402,890 doses in July.

In August, Galvez said the nation is expected to get 22,726,060 doses of the anti-COVID-19 drug.

The official said they are eyeing to administer 3 million jabs per week or 12 million jabs this August despite the enforced enhanced community quarantine in the metropolis.

They are also seeking to sustain an average daily jabs of 600,000 to 700,000 if supply targets are reached.

By end of August, Galvez said they are targeting to fully vaccinate 15 million Filipinos.

The vaccine czar also said they want to completely protect all health care workers nationwide from COVID-19. As of July, 84.30% of health workers were fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Despite the vaccine hesitancy among seniors, Galvez said they are planning to administer five million doses to the elderly, who are among the country's vulnerable sectors.—LDF, GMA News