This Week in Southern Luzon (December 4 to 10, 2021)

According to the Department of Health (DOH), the booster vaccine rollout officially started in CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon). The booster vaccine will be distributed to vaccinated immunocompromised individuals and senior citizens [2]. In addition, the booster shots began at Dream Zone in Batangas City.

Booster vaccines or shots are found to supply extra protection against COVID-19. The initial vaccines are already effective, but a booster shot strengthens its efficacy—which is very helpful for the vulnerable population like seniors and those with comorbidities. DOH Secretary Francisco Duque also pointed out that individuals can choose their preferred brand of booster vaccine, whether it’s Galameya, Sputnik, Moderna, Pfizer, or AstraZeneca. Individuals must also present their valid IDs and vaccination cards at any vaccination site.

A group of medical experts from the Philippine Medical Society (PMS) urged the government to push for health protocols that only allow fully vaccinated children against COVID-19 in public and commercial areas.

PMS President Dr. Benito Atienza leads this initiative in his meeting with Batangas IATF sector. He adds that parents should refrain from bringing children under four years old and below in public places like malls since children can get infections in high transmission areas. The Batangas IATF also approved of this initiative and has submitted the proposal to the national IATF.

Present data show that children have a high mortality rate when infected with COVID-19. Last November, a two-year-old boy tested positive for COVID-19 after spending a day in a shopping mall [3]. During the early lockdown, minors were not allowed to go out. Vaccines for children below ten years old were yet to be given the signal by the national government.

Visit Yoorekka Magazine for more travel and COVID-19 updates and guidelines in Metro Manila!