Vaccination near precincts on Eleksyon 2022: Expert says why not?

An infectious disease expert on Monday welcomed proposals to set up vaccination sites in polling places Eleksyon 2022 to increase the COVID-19 primary vaccine series and booster shot coverages in the country.

During a Laging Handa briefing, Dr. Edsel Salvana, who is also a member of the Department of Health (DOH) Technical Advisory Group, said that it would be convenient for the voters if they would also be given the opportunity to get their vaccines or booster shots near the voting precincts. 

“I think whatever it takes to vaccinate and boost people, very, very important. Meron naman tayong protocols naman para makabawas sa risks, bakit hindi? (We have protocols to reduce risks),” Salvana said.

As of Monday, the DOH reported over 67.9 million individuals had been vaccinated against COVID-19 or 75.45% of the government’s target population. Meanwhile, some 13.2 million have received their booster shots.

The Commission on Elections said that voters with COVID-19  were allowed to vote and isolation polling places would be set up for those who would show up with COVID-19 symptoms on Eleksyon 2022.

However, the DOH advised those with symptoms to stay at home if they had symptoms on May 9 so as to not transmit the virus.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Monday also said that even the close contacts of a person who tested positive for COVID-19 should also remain indoors and refrain from going out during the elections. —NB, GMA News