MANILA, Philippines– Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that the country may have to enact mandatory vaccination to achieve herd immunity for COVID-19.
As the government seeks to have 90% of the population vaccinated, DOH considers requiring COVID-19 vaccination for certain high-risk sectors. They said that this would be their “last resort.”
Vergeire disclosed that this is being discussed with the government’s task force and that a law is required to carry out the plan. She also stated that herd immunity will not be achieved if particular sectors refuse to get vaccinated.
This is a complete 180 to the department’s previous statement last April when they said they’re totally against mandatory vaccination.
Only 26% of the country’s total population has been vaccinated since rollout began last March. The government aims to achieve 50% by December. By the May 2022 elections, they want to have a total of 70% vaccinated.