National Task Force against COVID-19 chief Implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said this during the launch of the “Resbakuna sa Botika” program held yesterday in Makati City.
THE national government assures Filipinos it is exerting all efforts to further expand the coverage of the country’s vaccination program.
Through the program, pharmacies are now allowed to administer COVID-19 booster shots to all eligible adults, while clinics can administer both primary shots and booster doses.
“Ang pinaka-benefit ng programang ito is ‘yong tinatawag nating Bayanihan Kung Sama-sama. So lahat ng mga pwedeng tumulong from the private sector, sama-sama tayo para ang bakuna ay magiging accessible pa sa lahat ng Pilipino,” Galvez said during the launch.
According to Galvez, those who want to get their booster shots may pre-register at their chosen clinic or pharmacy. Walk-ins can be accommodated provided there are still sufficient vaccine supplies.
However, he encouraged unvaccinated individuals to go directly to vaccination centers in their respective communities.
Galvez said the Resbakuna sa Botika Program will enable the national government to get the COVID-19 jab to the arms of more Filipinos, as partner pharmacies have thousands of outlets strategically located and spread across Metro Manila.
As of January 21, a total of 422 booster shots have already been administered, with 110 administered at Generika; 172 at South Star Drug; 80 at Mercury Drugstore; and 60 at Watsons.
As of January 21, the Philippines has already administered a total of 122,889,494 vaccine doses, with 57,095,695 already fully vaccinated.
Galvez also explained the country’s pandemic exit strategy aims to devolve the responsibility of implementing the national vaccine program from the national government to local government units and the private sector.
“Hindi sustainable ‘yung talagang national government would take care of everything. And I believe the private sector, the LGUs, and the different parts of our society want to have individual responsibility,” he said.
Meanwhile, QualiMed Health Network Group COO Margaret Bengzon highlighted the strong partnership between the government and the private sector which is providing more Filipinos greater access to the vaccines.
“This launch we have today is just another example of great partnership in action. The whole point of the program ‘Resbakuna sa Botika’ is really to make vaccination more accessible and available by providing an alternative platform in administering the vaccines,” Bengzon said.