Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 12) — Metro Manila is on course to fully vaccinating half of its residents by September, an official said on Monday.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Benhur Abalos said a conservative estimate of 107,000 COVID-19 shots are being administered daily in the capital region, so 50% of the 14.6 million total population could have completed their two doses in the next two months.
“Our projection is by the end of September, we will be having at least population protection. Majority of Metro Manilans will have two doses,” he told CNN Philippines.
The Department of Health earlier said population protection is reached if 50% of the people, including the most vulnerable sectors, are vaccinated.
It also explained that protecting the population means the vaccination program will prioritize nine highly dense areas: Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao—collectively known as NCR+8.
Over 12 million COVID-19 shots have been administered nationwide since the vaccination drive started in March, officials said.
