MANDALUYONG CITY -- In support of the Department of Health’s (DOH) announcement on May 18, 2022, giving the green light for the administration of second Covid-19 vaccine booster shots, the Philippine Red Cross Bakuna Centers are open to those who are qualified for the booster shots.

The Department of Health explained that the second booster shot is a defense of health workers and the highly vulnerable seniors. It also reiterated that the shots are safe, effective, and free of charge.

Qualified persons — those in A1 category, Workers in Frontline Health Services, and A2, Senior Citizens, who had their first booster shot four months ago — may walk in at a Philippine Red Cross Bakuna Center to have their second booster. There is no need for an appointment.

Those who plan to avail of the second booster shot must bring their vaccination card showing the date of the first booster dose and any government-issued ID.

The Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO Senator Richard J. Gordon encouraged those who are qualified to get the jab to visit a Red Cross vaccination center. “Hinihikayat ko ang ating mga kababayan na frontline healthcare workers at senior citizens na fully vaccinated at may first booster shot na kunin na ang second booster shot para sa kanilang proteksyon,” Chairman Gordon said.

The Philippine Red Cross’ vaccination efforts are part of its mandate as an auxiliary to the government in its humanitarian tasks. The Philippine Red Cross started administering Covid-19 vaccines in March 2021. As of May 19, 2022, it has administered 1,176,151 doses of Covid-19 vaccines and boosters, of which 92,712 are boosters. It has fully vaccinated 372,352 individuals. (Philippine Red Cross)