Marcos: “Make sure vulnerable Filipinos get bivalent covid-19 shots”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has urged local government units to

encourage the elderly and those with comorbidity to receive bivalent COVID-
19 vaccines.

He also said that while the general populace is experiencing much milder
symptoms compared to the onset of the pandemic, senior citizens and people
with underlying illnesses are still “highly vulnerable” amid the emergence of
new COVID-19 variants.

“We must not let our guard down… But rest assured, that with the use of
science-based strategies and a whole of society approach, these risks will
remain manageable,” he added.

Last June 3, the Philippines received a total of 390,000 doses of bivalent

vaccines donated by the Lithuanian government.

The Food and Drug Administration previously said that bivalent vaccines
include a component that not just corresponds to the original COVID-19
strain but also provides better protection against the Omicron variant and
its subvariants.

The Department of Health would push for the acquisition of more bivalent
shots.

Marcos also urged Filipinos to “do their part” in preventing the resurgence of
COVID cases saying that it is also for the protection of one’s family and the
general public.

DISCUSSION.
1. What are bivalent COVID-19 vaccines, and should they be urged to be
received?
2. What is the significance of the emergence of new COVID-19 variants in
relation to the vulnerability of certain populations?
3. How does the vulnerability of senior citizens and people with
comorbidities differ from the general populace in the context of COVID-
19?
4. How do bivalent vaccines provide better protection against the Omicron
variant and its subvariants?
5. How does a "whole of society" approach contribute to managing the risks
associated with COVID-19?
6. What role does the acquisition of more bivalent shots play in the
country's COVID-19 vaccination strategy?
7. How can communities ensure that vulnerable people have access to
bivalent COVID-19 shots?