Duque dismisses claim Philippines will be last in Asia for herd immunity

Health Secretary Duque on Thursday dismissed a think tank's projection that the Philippines will be among the last in Asia to achieve herd immunity from COVID-19.

Duque said there is 'no basis' for this claim, suggesting the experts should review their calculations.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque echoed Duque's sentiments on Wednesday, assuring the public that the country will not be at the tail end of achieving herd immunity in Asia.

Roque attributed the initial slow pace of vaccination to early reliance on Sinovac and AstraZeneca doses but noted improvements with additional vaccine supplies from COVAX, Pfizer, Sputnik V, and other sources.