Palace eyes 77M fully vaxxed adults before May polls

Malacañang is aiming for 77 million adult Filipinos to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before the May 9 national and local elections.

This target represents 70% of the adult population, with the goal to reach the 77 million mark by the end of the first quarter of 2022.

Acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles expressed confidence in achieving this goal, stating that they want the total adult population fully vaccinated before April or May.

A fully vaccinated populace is seen as crucial for the safe conduct of the elections amidst the ongoing pandemic.

While 54 million Filipinos are currently fully vaccinated, including 6.88 million individuals aged 12 to 17, only those 18 and above are eligible to vote.

Nograles also reminded the public that vaccination is only one layer of protection and urged continued adherence to minimum public health standards.