More workers to be vaccinated in the Philippines

These people, which also includes workers in public transport and the informal sector, will be able to register for vaccination under the A4 priority group from today (June 9), said Presidential spokesman Harry Roque. 

A verbal directive from president Rodrigo Duterte said local government units (LGUs) that have completed the vaccination of people under groups A1 (health workers), A2 (senior citizens) and A3 (persons with comorbidities) may proceed with the vaccination of A4. 

The A4 group consists of: 

• Private sector workers required to be physically present at their designated workplace outside of their residences;
• Employees of government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations, and local government units; and
• Informal sector workers and self-employed who may be required to work outside their residences, and those working in private households.

A total of 35.5 million people fall under the A4 group, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).  

Opening the vaccination programme to more workers will hasten the process of reopening the economy, said trade secretary Ramon Lopez at an inoculation ceremony on Monday which vaccinated 50 individuals representing various sectors, including education, tourism, transportation, mass media, service and business process outsourcing (BPO). 

READ: WFH employees to be prioritised for vaccination in the Philippines

Meanwhile, at a mega vaccination centre in Mandaluyong City, 100 essential workers such as tricycle drivers and vendors were also vaccinated. 

The country has so far received more than nine million doses, mostly of the Sinovac vaccine, and is targeting to vaccinate 58 million to 70 million Filipinos by this year, according to SunStar.