Metro Manila cities that have reached ‘herd immunity’ may now inoculate non-residents—MMDA
Mandaluyong and Pateros have started accepting non-residents to inoculate against COVID-19, according to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
In an interview with Teleradyo on Tuesday, Aug. 24, MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos announced that those who are non-residents of the said cities may now register for appointments for COVID-19 vaccination.
“Mayroong LGUs (local government units) na halos patapos na (with vaccination) so sayang naman kung isasarado nila. Instead na isara o mag-slow down, kasi kulang tayo sa mga doktor at inoculators, ito’y itutuloy nalang o i-oopen nalang sa mga kapitbahay sa NCR (National Capital Region),” Abalos said.
He also noted that those who would like to get inoculated have to register online through the cities’ portals as walk-ins are not allowed and the vaccinations are strictly by appointment only.
On Monday, Aug, 23, Abalos announced that NCR mayors have agreed to vaccinate each other’s residents, which he later on clarified in an interview with Dobol B TV that only cities that have reached herd immunity can receive non-residents for inoculation.
Abalos said those cities are Mandaluyong, Pateros and San Juan. According to the MMDA Chair, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora still wants to complete the city’s inoculation before opening to non-residents. Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro also said the city is close to vaccinating all its residents, according to Abalos.
While there are concerns that this vaccination program may attract “vaccine hoppers” or those who are trying to get the still-illegal booster shots, Abalos warns that those who will attempt to do so will be arrested.
So far, 11,733,382 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Metro Manila and about 7.3 million have received their first dose according to Abalos. About 43.7% of the population are fully vaccinated, he added.
If you are having a hard time securing an appointment in your own city and want to seek jabs in other cities, make sure to register online with the LGUs that are now accepting inoculation of non-residents.
Mandaluyong
- Pre-register at www.mandaluyong.gov.ph/vaccine
- Wait for a call or text from MandaVax call center for the date, time and location of your vaccination.
- Make sure to bring government-issued valid IDs.
Pateros
- Pre-register using the QR code provided by the city, where you will be directed to a vaccination form that you need to fill out. (Open the camera on your smartphone, then hold your device over the QR code. Click the link that appears on the screen and it will take you to the vaccination form.)
- Wait for a text message to confirm your registration.
Banner photos by KJ Rosales and Walter Bollozos/The Philippine STAR