Galvez eyes giving booster shots to gov't workers, A4 group soon

Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Sunday said he is eyeing to open COVID-19 booster shots to fully vaccinated government workers, and economic frontliners or those under the A4 category in December this year.

In a virtual presser, Galvez spoke about the government's plan during the second phase 3-day COVID-19 vaccination drive wherein they will give a second dose recipients, and possibly booster shots for the A4 group.

The first 3-day vaccination campaign will be held from November 29 to December 1, wherein the government targets 3 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to be administered.

"Once tumaas ang vaccination, we need to follow up on second dose. Ang gagawin natin December 15 to 17 gagawing massive rollout. Karamihan ang second dose and most likely baka i-open booster for government frontliners and economic frontliners," said Galvez.

(If our vaccination rate increases, we need to follow through with a second dose. We will do a massive rollout from Dec. 15 to 17. Mainly it will be for a second dose and we might open boosters for government frontliners and economic frontliners.)

When asked again about the country's vaccination target and booster shots, Galvez said they are seeking to start the additional vaccine doses for economic frontline workers by December 10.

"Mayroong apat na milestone. First milestone natin, makuha ang 54 million before end of the year, and maybe we can start the booster more or less by Dec. 10 mag start ng A4 lalo na yung nag-lapse na ng more than six months," Galvez said.

(We have four milestones, first we need to fully vaccinate 54 million Filipinos before the end of the year and maybe we can start the booster shots by December 10 for A4 especially those with second dose that had lapsed for more than six months.)

Likewise, Galvez said they aim to finish booster shots for health workers, the elderly, and people with comorbidities this year.

Moreover, he said the national government aimed to complete the vaccination of children before the end of the year.

Also, Galvez said the government is seeking to vaccinate 80% to 90% of teachers and students to be ready for possible full reopening of schools next year.

"Kasi ang balak ng DepEd (Department of Education) at CHED (Commission on Higher Education) mag-full opening na natin by January (2022.)," Galvez said. —LBG, GMA News