Philippines aims to vaccinate 9 million people in three days
The Straits Times|November 30, 2021
Massive nationwide drive part of efforts to avoid possible surge due to Omicron variant
Raul Dancel
Philippines aims to vaccinate 9 million people in three days

The Philippines yesterday kicked off a massive three-day vaccination drive as it tries to head off a surge that the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus could cause.

“This is our single biggest push to fast-track vaccination and reaches our target of 70 per cent population protection nationwide,” said President Rodrigo Duterte.

“We will overcome this pandemic, and come out stronger and better as a nation,” he said during a visit to a vaccination site at a mall east of the capital Manila to officially start the campaign.

The countrywide sweep aims to vaccinate some nine million Filipinos, especially in rural and far-flung areas where vaccine access has been a problem and the level of vaccine hesitancy remains high.

The government is mobilizing over 100,000 volunteers and has set up some 8,000 vaccination centers across the country.

Mr Duterte has declared the three-day stretch as “special working days”, excusing people from work if they are going to get a jab.

This story is from the November 30, 2021 edition of The Straits Times.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 30, 2021 edition of The Straits Times.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE STRAITS TIMESView All
Lolla, Seroja debut on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list
The Straits Times

Lolla, Seroja debut on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list

Two Singapore restaurants made their debut on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list, announced on March 26 in Seoul, South Korea.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 28, 2024
'FANS SEEING THE FIGHT'
The Straits Times

'FANS SEEING THE FIGHT'

Hariss says coach Ogura has made a difference with the Lions’ battling shows

time-read
3 mins  |
March 28, 2024
No sweat for champion Medvedev and young guns
The Straits Times

No sweat for champion Medvedev and young guns

MIAMI The Miami Open men's draw is shaping up to be a battle of the defending champion and the young guns, as Daniil Medvedev, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner all marched into the quarter-finals with convincing victories.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 28, 2024
DAVIS LEADS IN 'TEAM WIN'
The Straits Times

DAVIS LEADS IN 'TEAM WIN'

Lakers’ star defies injury to down Bucks in thriller and keep post-season hopes alive

time-read
2 mins  |
March 28, 2024
Renewed investor interest in Indonesia's proposed new capital
The Straits Times

Renewed investor interest in Indonesia's proposed new capital

This comes after Prabowo’s presidential win as he had pledged to develop Nusantara

time-read
2 mins  |
March 28, 2024
Committee to connect women entrepreneurs with mentors
The Straits Times

Committee to connect women entrepreneurs with mentors

Knowledge-sharing, networking to help level playing field for women in start-ups

time-read
1 min  |
March 28, 2024
The Straits Times

S'pore stocks close higher again despite Wall Street declines

STI rises 0.6%; gainers outnumber losers 289 to 270

time-read
1 min  |
March 28, 2024
The Straits Times

Most firms face cyber incidents but lack basic security measures: Study

Many lack knowledge, worry about costs, express scepticism over likelihood of attacks

time-read
2 mins  |
March 28, 2024
The Straits Times

US-China rivalry overshadows Boao economic forum

Panellists allude to backdrop of great power competition affecting domains including Al

time-read
3 mins  |
March 28, 2024
US shift in policy on Israel directed against Netanyahu
The Straits Times

US shift in policy on Israel directed against Netanyahu

It is also aimed at boosting Biden's bid for re-election amid public opinion on Gaza war

time-read
4 mins  |
March 28, 2024