Palace says 10M Filipinos fully vaccinated vs. COVID-19

Malacañang on Thursday said 10 million Filipinos have already been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, describing it as an "important milestone" in the country's vaccination program.

Data presented by the National Task Force Against COVID-19 showed the number of fully vaccinated individuals stood at 10.28 million as of Wednesday.

A total of 702,013 COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered on Tuesday, the highest daily output the country has registered to date, according to NTF deputy chief implementer Vince Dizon.

"Ngayon po we have reached a very important milestone in our national vaccination program. Kung dati-rati po nagkukumakahog kung saan kukuha ng bakuna ngayon po meron nang 10 milyong Pilipino na meron nang full protection laban sa kalaban nating COVID-19," presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said at an event in Mandaluyong City.

(We have reached an important milestone. If in the past we are short of vaccine supply, now 10 million Filipinos are already fully protected against COVID-19.)

Roque, however, reminded local government units (LGUs) should ensure orderly vaccination program after people swarmed several vaccination centers in Metro Manila a day before the region goes under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) for two weeks.

"Let us not allow the COVID-19 vaccination to be a super spreader event. COVID-19 vaccination should save lives," he said.

"The COVID-19 vaccination should not endanger lives," Roque added.

The Philippines is eyeing to fully vaccinate 70% of its 109 million population or 76.3 million to achieve herd immunity by the end of the year. — with Virgil Lopez/KBK/RSJ, GMA News