Vaccinees from other provinces in Western Visayas may avail themselves of COVID-19 booster shots in Iloilo City.

The city government will open its mega-vaccination sites to all should there be enough available vaccines for booster shots, Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said during blocktime program Kauswagan sang Banwa over Aksyon Radyo Iloilo.

He added that the vaccines available in the city except for AstraZeneca came from the national government, thus, the city is sharing it to everyone who is ready and qualified for booster shots.
In a latest advisory by the Department of Health, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the shorter wait time for booster shots. It said that boosters can now be availed three months from the last dose.

“Let’s all get our boosters. The Omicron variant is affecting the USA and Europe. Let us get as much protection as possible when it is already allowed,” Treñas urged.

Aside from booster shots, the city has also been preparing for COVID-19 vaccination for 5 to 11-year-old children after the FDA has approved the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the use of the Pfizer vaccine on the said age group.

The Philippine government may start administering the Pfizer vaccine to 5 to 11-year-old children by January next year.

“We want to make sure nga ang tanan may proteksyon,” said Treñas.

He added that this is also part of the preparation of the city should face-to-face classes will already be allowed next year. (Glenda Tayona)/WDJ