MANILA – An official of the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 said on Monday night that the arrival of 859,950 doses of US-made Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine, procured by the national government, is vital to the ongoing pediatric inoculation program.
Assistant Secretary Wilben Mayor, head of NTF’s sub-task force on current operations, welcomed the Air Hongkong Flight LD456 carrying the latest Pfizer vaccine shipment around 9:05 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City.
The latest shipment is procured through the funding support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The Pfizer vaccines arrived on time, according to Mayor, as the government ramps up its continuing pediatric vaccination program efforts for safe face-to-face classes by next year.
As of now, limited in-person classes are held in places deemed as low risk for the coronavirus.
“Sa tuluy-tuloy na pagdating ng Pfizer ay madadagdagan yung ating mababakunahan na mga kabataan (With the continuous arrival of Pfizer vaccines, we can vaccinate more children),” he said.
The Food and Drug Administration of the country has approved the use of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to immunize minors and adolescents aged 12 to 17.
As more vaccines arrive, Mayor urged the public anew to participate in the second round of the massive national vaccination days “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” from December 15 to 17, in a bid to reach the target of fully protecting 54 million Filipinos before yearend.
“We encourage, we appeal to those who haven’t vaccinated yet, to be vaccinated. We have all kinds of vaccines that are effective against Covid-19. With the threat of Omicron variant, it is necessary that we get vaccinated,” Mayor said.
As of now, 40,881,035 Filipinos have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, with 756,682 eligible individuals obtaining booster shots and additional doses.
