‘No booster card, no entry’ policy eyed in June

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential adviser on entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion wants the presentation of booster cards as a requirement to entering enclosed establishments starting in June as a way of encouraging more people to get their third vaccine shot against COVID-19.

In a statement yesterday, the Go Negosyo founder said replacing the presentation of a vaccination card with the booster card would help speed up booster vaccinations and address the possible expiry of vaccines currently available in the country.

Citing a recent report, he said there are around 27 million vaccines in the country including those purchased by the private sector that would expire by July.

“We do not implement it right away. I understand it will take time for them to get the booster, but considering that vaccines are now more accessible, people are free to move around, and we have adequate supply, I think two and a half months, or until June, would be enough time to take the boosters,” Concepcion said.

While the country is not seen to be at risk now, he said the danger is in the next semester when the waning immunity might start to be felt. He said new variants might also emerge.

Health Undersecretary and National Vaccination Operations Center chair Myrna Cabotaje yesterday said in a radio interview that Concepcion’s proposal is being discussed by experts. – Mayen Jaymalin