Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 14) — Vaccination against COVID-19 will continue during the Holy Week, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Wednesday.
In a public briefing, Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said DOH regional offices were instructed to continue the vaccination, especially in hospitals under the DOH.
She also said the DOH encourages local government units to continue providing vaccines even during the Holy Week.
“We do not mandate the LGUs. It has been voluntary on their part to make vaccination sites available in their areas,” she added.
Cabotaje, who also heads the National Vaccination Operations Center, said the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has agreed to keep their parishes open for vaccination. Some places of worship are also open during Ramadan.
Cabotaje also said the LGUs and the management of places of worship and private areas have the right to prohibit unvaccinated individuals to enter their premises.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of possible spike in COVID-19 cases as people gather in campaign rallies and for activities related to the observance of Holy Week and Ramadan.
The WHO has urged the government to focus on priority groups that remain unvaccinated.
As part of the country’s efforts to strengthen immunization against COVID-19, the Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday greenlit the rollout of the second COVID-19 booster shot for senior citizens, the immunocompromised and healthcare workers.
READ: PH OKs second booster for seniors, immunocompromised, healthcare workers
The government eyes to fully immunize 90 million Filipinos before by the time President Rodrigo Duterte finishes his term.
Cabotaje said as of Tuesday, 66.7 million Filipinos are fully vaccinated while 12.5 million have received booster shots.
LOOK: You can get your COVID-19 shot and booster dose in these vaccination sites this Holy Week. | @laratyan pic.twitter.com/WljPhIsI5U
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) April 14, 2022
