Public Urged to Take Second Dose of Vaccine in Time

After reports of vaccine recipients missing the schedule for their second dose of the vaccine, the Department of Health (DOH) is urging the public to duly follow the set schedule for their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the National COVID-19 Vaccination Operations Center that 9% of people have missed their second dose, this is about 113,000 individuals.

“The reported missed schedules for 2nd dose are estimates and based on certain assumptions. According to the National COVID-19 Vaccination Operations Center, actual numbers show that 9% of people have deferred their second dose, roughly 113,000 individuals, and the most common reasons for such deferrals include: getting sick, getting exposed to someone positive for COVID-19, or undergoing quarantine,” said DOH Spokesperson Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire.

The percentage may go down as the Local Government Units (LGUs) are reaching out to these vaccine recipients to give them their second dose.

DOH Secretary Francisco Duque reassured vaccine recipients who missed their second dose that they are still able to get vaccinated.

“For our kababayans who missed their scheduled second dose, huwag kayong mangamba at maaari pa rin kayong makakuha ng inyong ikalawang dose (For our countrymen who missed their scheduled second dose, don’t worry you can still get your second dose). In fact, we urge you to coordinate with your LGUs to reschedule your vaccination,” said Duque. (ASC)