Complete vaccination, booster program this December amid Omicron threat – Leachon

Filipinos can hopefully look forward to a “merrier and safer” holiday season if the government’s vaccination drive will be completed next month.

Apart from tightening the country’s border controls, former government adviser Dr. Tony Leachon proposed intensified efforts to vaccinate Filipinos given the danger posed by a new coronavirus variant detected abroad. Vaccination remains the “best way” to protect against the virus spread, he said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a new COVID variant to be “of concern,” citing that early evidence indicated an increased reinfection risk. The new COVID variant, named Omicron, was first detected in South Africa, and has been reported in Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong and Israel.

“Let’s complete our vaccination and booster program this December to protect our population especially with a new ‘variant of concern’ – we will be stronger and resilient in the first quarter next year,” Leachon tweeted.

“One step backward , two steps forward. Have a merrier and safer Xmas,” he said.

Leachon, a health reform advocate, took a Pfizer booster shot against the coronavirus, after an AstraZeneca dose last May.

“The best way to protect ourselves even in the presence of variants is to get vaccinated or get a booster shot after receiving primary vaccines six months after second dose,” he said.

The government has temporarily suspended the inbound flights from South Africa, Botswana, and other countries with local cases of the new COVID variant. The order will take effect until December 15. Covered by flight ban are Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Mozambique.

Leachon suggested the inclusion of travelers from Hong Kong to the country’s entry restrictions.

“Ang suggestion ko, temporary suspension ng byahe mula sa HK. Isa lang ang makapasok in a dense population, it would be catastrophic,” the Manila-based physician said over DZRH.

Let’s complete our vaccination and booster program this December to protect our population especially with a new “ variant of concern “ – we will be stronger and resilient in the first quarter next year.

One step backward , two steps forward.

Have a merrier and safer Xmas 🎄 https://t.co/mBNgstHNoI

— Tony Leachon MD (@DrTonyLeachon) November 27, 2021

The best way to protect ourselves even in the presence of variants is to get vaccinated or get a booster shot after receiving primary vaccines six months after second dose ( Astra Zeneca last dose May 26 then today Pfizer Nov 27 ). Every day is a blessing. Let’s pray for our 🇵🇭. pic.twitter.com/nanMiAIVLZ

— Tony Leachon MD (@DrTonyLeachon) November 27, 2021

#SpecialOnSaturday @DrTonyLeachon: Ang suggestion ko, temporary suspension ng byahe mula sa HK. Isa lang ang makapasok in a densed population, it would be catastrophic.#SamaSamaTayoPilipino

WATCH: https://t.co/3IysdLByP9

— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) November 26, 2021

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Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)