Metro Manila Council President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora led the launch of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccines for the A1 category, which includes frontline healthcare workers like doctors and nurses living or working in hospitals in San Juan on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
He was accompanied by the Department of Health (DOH) Regional Director Dr. Aleli Anne Grace P. Sudiacal and other city officials.
The DOH rolled out Department Memorandum (DM) No. 2023-078 or the Interim Guidelines on the Management and Administration of COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer Bivalent. This was administered to healthcare workers who have received their second booster shot at least four (4) months prior. The bivalent shot was considered as the third booster dose for the eligible population.
“I would like to reiterate that while we are well on our way to recovery from the pandemic, we still need to protect ourselves from the virus. The bivalent booster vaccine is an improved version of the vaccine that provides a broader protection against the Omicron variant”, said Mayor Zamora.
The bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is called ‘bivalent’ because it has components that provide better protection against the original strain as well as the newer omicron variant. It helps in lowering the risk of severe illnesses, hospitalization, and death resulting from COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Mayor Zamora advised the public that the city still offers second booster shots to residents and non-residents. They may register at the city’s vaccine registration portal and wait for their scheduled vaccination.
“I urge everyone to get your booster shots if you are due for it and are qualified to get it. Remember that the virus continually evolves and our immunity decreases over time, so we need to stay protected,” declared the mayor.