THE Philippine government has asked Pfizer Biotech to expedite its delivery of the reformulated vaccine against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) for the five to 11-year-old age group so the country can kick-off their inoculation this month.
“Discussions with Pfizer are now ongoing to fast track the delivery of reformulated vaccines specifically intended for children under the said age group,” National Task Force against COVID-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said.
He said expanding the vaccine rollout to the younger population would “ensure the opening of classes and allow the easing of restrictions to minors.”
The Food and Drug Authority in December issued an amended emergency use authority (EUA) for the Pfizer vaccine for the minor.
Aside from the preparations for the inoculation of the five to 11-year-olds, the government is also ramping up the vaccination drive for the booster shots and primary series of adults, especially of some 1.5 million to 2.5 million unvaccinated senior citizens.
Galvez said more than 101 million doses of COVID 19 vaccines are still stored in warehouses nationwide.
The government has administered more than 110.975 million doses of vaccines nationwide, including 57.3 million first dose, and 2.46 million booster shots. More than 51.085 million are fully vaccinated.
The government aims to vaccinate 54 million with first dose by the first week of January and fully vaccinate 70 million by end of February or early March.
In the city of Manila, the city government yesterday said it is eyeing the extension of its drive-thru booster service for delivery drivers and workers who are dropping goods in the city, particularly in Divisoria.
Hundreds of delivery drivers and workers flocked to the Kartilya ng Katipunan on Thursday so they could be administered with the booster shot for added protection against COVID-19 infection.
A similar service was held Wednesday night in Juan Luna Street corner Recto Avenue in Divisoria for delivery workers from Central, Northern and Southern Luzon who were ferrying goods to Manila’s commercial center.
A total of 754 drivers, delivery workers and vendors availed of the booster jab on Wednesday night.
Mayor Isko Moreno said initial data showed that seven out of 10 delivery drivers and workers who availed of the drive-thru booster vaccination service were non-residents of Manila.
“We are happy that not only were they vaccinated against COVID-19, but their customers are also protected as well. Likewise, they still have the whole day to go around their work,” Moreno said. — With Ashzel Hachero
