Dizon: 70 million target vaccination likely to be achieved in April

The Philippines did not reach the target of fully vaccinating against Covid-19 the total of 70 million people this March due to logistics concerns and vaccine hesitancy, this is accordign to official reports released on Tuesday.

Only over 65.1 million individuals are fully vaccinated in the country so far.

“Tingin ko, kung end of March, dahil next week na ‘yun, hindi siguro. Pero I’m confident na within the month of April, maaabot na natin ang 70 million fully vaccinated,” Dizon said.

"Dahil mas malalayo na ang mga kababayan natin, kailangan talaga pupuntahan na natin sila. That is the major challenge right now. And of course, ‘yun ding hesitancy. Umaabot na tayo doon sa punto na marami na tayong mga napupuntahan na ayaw nang magpabakuna,” he added.

Moreover, there are some regions that are not yet to vaccinate at least half of its target, like Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The National Task Force against COVID-19 is making an action to have special COVID vaccination to it.

Other areas to be prioritised for special vaccination:

·         Region 12

·         Regions 11

·         Region 7

The fully vaccinated population is at less than 70 percent of the target, Dizon maintained. 

The NTF plans to offer additional manpower and logistical support to the said areas that are giving special vaccination days.

Contributed by Thimy Rose D. Noveno