OCTA: Vaccinate 50% of NCR, 6 other high-risk areas' population

The OCTA Research group urged the government Monday to vaccinate 50% of the population in Metro Manila and six other areas at high risk to achieve herd immunity.

The team of experts said 50% of the people living in Metro Manila and the cities of Tuguegarao, Santiago, Baguio, Cainta, Cebu, and Imus should be vaccinated due to their high COVID-19 attack rates.

The vaccination drive would need 15.96 million doses for a total of 7.98 million people.

“In many countries that have vaccinated 50% of the population, there has been an immediate impact on herd containment of COVID-19. This is the immediate target in high-risk areas,” the experts said.

OCTA research added that 30% to 40% of the population in moderate-high risk areas and 20% to 30% of the population in moderate risk areas should be inoculated against COVID-19.

It would need 7.3 million doses for moderate-high risk areas and 3.08 million doses for moderate risk areas.

“A rollout of 30 to 35 million vaccines before the end of 2021, allocated by risk level, will help the country recover before the end of 2021,” the experts said.

According to the research group, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Central Luzon, Central Visayas, and Western Visayas accounted for 80% of the new cases reported so far this year.

OCTA: Vaccinate 50% of NCR, 6 other high-risk areas’ population

OCTA said 40% to 45% of vaccines should be allocated to Metro Manila, 15% to 20% to Calabarzon, 10% to Central Luzon, 6% to Central Visayas and 4% to Western Visayas.

The remaining doses should be given to the rest of the country, with priority given to areas at high risk for COVID-19.

“A national rollout program based solely on population, regardless of risk levels of each province or LGU, will delay pandemic and economic recovery in the country due to global supply chain issues. The country cannot afford to wait another year to reach herd immunity,” OCTA said.

The National Task Force (NTF) against COVID-19 said the government vaccinates an average of 162,513 COVID-19 people daily.

NTF added that as of May 22, the Philippines had given a total of 4,097,425 COVID-19 vaccine doses nationwide.

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