The emergence of new coronavirus variants should be enough reason to get vaccinated even as other countries are already contemplating on giving booster shots, according to Senator Richard Gordon.
Speaking at the Laging Handa public briefing on Thursday, Gordon emphasized that vaccination, apart from testing, tracing, and treatment, can stop the pandemic and help the country bounce back next year.
“Magpabakuna na kayo. Magpabakuna na kayo kaagad because iyong third booster shot, iyong third na ginagawa ngayon ng mararaming bansa, inuuna nila iyong kanilang mga kababayan. Mayroon silang Pfizer at saka iyong Moderna. Sa Israel, may pangatlong bakuna na silang ginagawa at sa Amerika gagawin iyan (Get vaccinated soon. A third booster shot is being contemplated in other countries. They are prioritizing their countrymen. They have Pfizer and Moderna. In Israel, they are already making a third shot and America will do that soon),” Gordon said.
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), which Gordon chairs, opened its Edsa-Boni Bakuna Center at a former 24-hour convenience store on Aug. 5, to add to other sites at the PRC Logistics and Multi-Purpose Center in Mandaluyong, PRC Pasay, PRC Port Area, Kabaka Manila, Colegio de San Juan de Letran Manila, Ever Commonwealth in Quezon City, Arcovia Mall Pasig, and San Lorenzo Mall Makati.
Gordon said if other countries are already planning on a third shot, the Philippines should catch up.
He also urged the United States and Japan to donate more excess vaccine doses to the Philippines.
Gordon likewise shared the PRC will soon complete a new molecular laboratory in Cotabato.
It will bring to five the molecular laboratories in Mindanao after those in Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, Siargao, and Davao del Sur.
New testing laboratories are also being planned in densely populated areas in Bicol, Palawan, and Iloilo, along with additional facilities in Laguna and Cavite.
Source: Philippines News Agency
