Bayanihan, Bakunahan drive continues amid TS Odette, Omicron threat

The second leg of the "Bayanihan, Bakunahan" vaccination drive commenced on December 15, 2021, despite the threat of Tropical Storm Odette and the detection of the Omicron variant.

Top officials launched the three-day immunization drive in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, which will run until December 17.

The nationwide vaccination campaign began simultaneously in six regions: NCR, CAR, Region 1, Region 2, Region 3, and Region 4A.

However, Typhoon Odette forced the suspension of the vaccination drive in 10 other regions, including Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen, Caraga, and BARMM.

Previously, the second leg was rescheduled from December 17-19 to December 20-22, particularly for areas anticipated to be affected by the tropical storm.

Prior to the drive, 32 provinces had achieved at least 70% vaccination coverage for the first dose.

Additionally, 22 provinces had reached 50% or higher second dose vaccination rates for their target populations.

Following the vaccination drive, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año plans to release a performance report of various regions, provinces, and cities.