THE medical adviser of the government’s COVID-19 task force said herd immunity is now happening in some areas of the country, particularly in the “NCR Plus 8” areas.
NCR Plus 8 is composed of Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, Bulacan, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, and Rizal.
During the Laging Handa public briefing, National Task Force against COVID-19 medical adviser Dr. Ted Herbosa said these areas have already surpassed the 90-percent target of fully vaccinated individuals, while 100 percent have already been given their first dose.
Herbosa pointed that there was no increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases, proof that focus areas such as the NCR Plus 8 has already reached the herd immunity threshold of 70 up to 90 percent.
However, there are still areas in the country whose vaccination coverage is only at 40 percent fully vaccinated individuals, while those who have been given their first dose is at 70 percent.
He is optimistic, however, that soon these areas will be able to catch up.
That is why Herbosa is urging the public to go to the vaccination sites for Part 2 of Bayanihan Bakunahan to be held on December 15-17 to help increase to 7 million the number of vaccinated individuals.
He said technically, herd immunity is already happening because of increase in mobility but there are no new cases recorded.
However, he mentioned the government is already monitoring developments in relation to the Omicron variant, which is why administering of booster shots should also be strengthened.