A total of 25,255 volunteers have signed up for the “Bayanihan Bakunahan: Ligtas. Lakas. Buong Pinas” campaign from November 29 to December 1, 2021, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reported.
However, the Department of Health (DOH) said that the National Vaccine Operations Center (NVOC) has projected over 50,000 volunteers needed for the three-day vaccination campaign with the aim of ramping up Covid-19 vaccination nationwide. The drive also aims to increase vaccine coverage and mobilize stakeholders from every sector to support the national government’s goal of giving Filipinos a safe and healthy Christmas.
“Protecting our health through vaccination will increase our confidence to go out and see our loved ones this Christmas, as well as ensure a safe return to work. So we encourage every eligible individual, especially our lolo and lola, and our loved ones who have underlying medical conditions who are not yet vaccinated, to take advantage of these National Vaccination Days and get your jabs done,” said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.
DOH noted that reports in the US show that over 93 percent of Covid-19 deaths were among the unvaccinated individuals.
In the Philippines, an analysis of hospital data from March 1 to November 14 from reports submitted to the DOH Data Collect showed that 85 percent of the admissions due to Covid-19 are not fully vaccinated.
Moreover, deaths and serious outcomes are more likely to happen among unvaccinated patients with over 93.4 percent of them dying based on the reports gathered by DOH.
“While the vaccines are effective in protecting us from severe Covid-19, we still need to be mindful and constantly observe minimum public health standards as available vaccines at this time do not prevent transmission of Covid-19,” she added.
The theme emphasizes how various sectors can unite and work together to improve vaccination rates and prevent the further spread of Covid nationwide.
Meanwhile, companies and employers are further encouraged to ensure they have a fully vaccinated workforce in order to guarantee a safe environment for their people.
The event will also be an opportunity to accelerate giving of booster shots to health-care workers, senior citizens and immunocompromised individuals.
While walk-ins are allowed especially for senior citizens and persons with comorbidities, vaccine recipients are encouraged to register with their respective local government units.
On the day of vaccination, recipients of primary dose series should bring any valid Identification Card (ID), medical certificate for immunocompromised, individuals with comorbidities, pregnant in their first trimester and children with comorbidities, and additional documents for the rest of pediatric population as provided in DOH DC 2021-0464.
Meanwhile, vaccine recipients requiring booster/additional doses must bring their original vaccination card showing completion of the primary series of vaccine, valid ID Card, and medical certificate for immunocompromised individuals.