COVID-19 booster shots for seniors, immunocompromised launched in Calabarzon

The government on Thursday launched the ceremonial inoculation of fully-vaccinated senior citizens and immunocompromised individuals with booster shots against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Calabarzon.

During the ceremonial vaccination at the Batangas City Capitol Compound, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. stressed the importance of vaccinating individuals in Calabarzon.

“Unang-una po sa lahat, ang Calabarzon ang pinaka malaking operasyon sa lahat ng rehiyon. At nakita natin isa sa pinakamalaking economic hub ang Calabarzon,” Galvez said.

(First of all, Calabarzon has the biggest operations in all the regions. And we also saw that it has one of the largest economic hubs.)

“Ang atin pong objective ay maitaas natin ang antas ng vaccination dito sa Region IV-A lalong lalo na sa Batangas dahil mas marami sa atin sa Metro Manila,” he added.

(Our objective is to increase the vaccination rate in Region IV-A, especially here in Batangas, because the region has a higher population than Metro Manila.)

Galvez said the National Capital Region will not be secured against COVID-19 if residents in Calabarzon and Mimaropa will not be vaccinated.

“Nananawagan po kami sa lahat ng stakeholders, sa ating mga pulis… tulungan natin in terms of mga inventories at saka ‘yung deployment,” he said.

(We call on our stakeholders, our police personnel, to help in terms of inventories and deployment.)

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III urged the public to be open to all vaccine brands.

“Hanggang sa maaari 'wag tayo mamimili… makakasiguro po tayo na ito ay tunay na ligtas at epektibo at libre… Ang inyo pong tatanggaping bakuna ay sadyang dekalidad at ligtas,” Duque said.

(As much as possible, let’s not be choosy. We assure you that all the vaccines are safe and effective and free. The vaccines that you will receive are of high quality and safe.)

He also urged the public to follow the public minimum health standards.

NTF COVID-19 deputy chief implementer Vince Dizon also attended the event.

The Philippines began the inoculation of senior citizens with boosters shots on Monday.—AOL, GMA News