In line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Department of Health (DOH) officially launched bivalent COVID-19 vaccines at the Philippine Heart Center (PHC), Quezon City.
Through the leadership of Marcos and DOH Secretary Teddy Herbosa, the kick-off event served as a ceremonial vaccination of healthcare workers and senior citizens – A1 and A2 population, respectively.
On March 31, 2023, the DOH issued a Department Memorandum (DM) on the management and administration of the donated bivalent vaccines. The guidelines state that first to be inoculated are Healthcare workers (A1) and Senior citizens (A2).
The DM also states that an individual may be vaccinated with the bivalent vaccines after at least four to six months after their last booster vaccination.
“Isa ang bakuna sa mga paraan para umiwas sa sakit at maging handa sa anumang pandemya.”
“We are always grateful for the strong support of no less than the President. He continues to care for our people’s welfare through the national COVID-19 vaccination program. Under his direction, we are saving lives! Isa ang bakuna sa mga paraan para umiwas sa sakit at maging handa sa anumang pandemya,” Herbosa said.
“Tayo na sa isang Healthy Pilipinas, kung saan ang bawat buhay ay mahalaga.”
“With that, the DOH urges everyone, starting with our frontliners – health workers and the most vulnerable – our senior citizens, to strengthen their immunity against COVID-19 by getting these bivalent boosters by coordinating with our nearest hospitals and vaccination centers. Tayo na sa isang Healthy Pilipinas, kung saan ang bawat buhay ay mahalaga,” the health chief added.
This initiative also highlights the multi-sectoral collaboration among different government agencies, the private sector, and international organizations such as the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), World Health Organization (WHO), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the country’s local government units (LGUs).
For more information about the policy of the implementing guidelines of the Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines inoculation, head on to bit.ly/DM_2023-0178.
