Tag: COVID-19 vaccine

COVID-19 Crisis: Philippines monitoring coronavirus variant B.1.1.529 (Omicron variant)

COVID-19 Crisis: Philippines monitoring coronavirus variant B.1.1.529 (Omicron variant)

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News about the new and more infectious coronavirus variant B.1.1.529 – also referred to as the Omicron variant – that reportedly originated in South Africa dominated the news cycles this past weekend and already the authorities here in the Philippines are monitoring it, according to a recent Philippine News Agency (PNA) report.

Before proceeding with the PNA’s news report, let’s take a close look as to what exactly is coronavirus variant B.1.1.529 or Omicron variant according to the World Health Organization (WHO) which published an article (published November 26, 2021) about it. The excerpt is pasted below and some parts in boldface…

The B.1.1.529 variant was first reported to WHO from South Africa on 24 November 2021. The epidemiological situation in South Africa has been characterized by three distinct peaks in reported cases, the latest of which was predominantly the Delta variant. In recent weeks, infections have increased steeply, coinciding with the detection of B.1.1.529 variant. The first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on 9 November 2021.

This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning. Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant, as compared to other VOCs. The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all provinces in South Africa. Current SARS-CoV-2 PCR diagnostics continue to detect this variant. Several labs have indicated that for one widely used PCR test, one of the three target genes is not detected (called S gene dropout or S gene target failure) and this test can therefore be used as marker for this variant, pending sequencing confirmation. Using this approach, this variant has been detected at faster rates than previous surges in infection, suggesting that this variant may have a growth advantage.

There are a number of studies underway and the TAG-VE will continue to evaluate this variant. WHO will communicate new findings with Member States and to the public as needed.

Based on the evidence presented indicative of a detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology, the TAG-VE has advised WHO that this variant should be designated as a VOC, and the WHO has designated B.1.1.529 as a VOC, named Omicron.

As such, countries are asked to do the following:

  • enhance surveillance and sequencing efforts to better understand circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants.
  • submit complete genome sequences and associated metadata to a publicly available database, such as GISAID.
  • report initial cases/clusters associated with VOC infection to WHO through the IHR mechanism.
  • where capacity exists and in coordination with the international community, perform field investigations and laboratory assessments to improve understanding of the potential impacts of the VOC on COVID-19 epidemiology, severity, effectiveness of public health and social measures, diagnostic methods, immune responses, antibody neutralization, or other relevant characteristics.

Individuals are reminded to take measures to reduce their risk of COVID-19, including proven public health and social measures such as wearing well-fitting masks, hand hygiene, physical distancing, improving ventilation of indoor spaces, avoiding crowded spaces, and getting vaccinated.

As mentioned earlier, the Philippines is paying close attention to the Omicron variant. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippine government is monitoring the new coronavirus variant B.1.1.529 that already has cases in South Africa, acting Presidential spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Friday.

During the Palace briefing, Nograles said members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and the Department of Health (DOH) are widely aware of the variant described by experts as “heavily mutated”.

“We are monitoring — intently monitoring — itong situation na ito. Patuloy pa rin po ang ginagwa nating (We are monitoring — intently monitoring — this situation. We continue to conduct our) genomic surveillance on the ground,” Nograles said in an interview.

He added the government is constantly exchanging information with the World Health Organization about the possible threat of the newly detected variant.

“We are waiting their advisories kung ito bang variant na ito (if this variant) is considered a variant of interest or a variant of concern,” Nograles said.

Dana Krizia Sandoval, spokesperson of the Bureau of Immigration, said in another interview that various systems are in place once the IATF sees the need to adjust the travel restrictions caused by emerging Covid-19 variants.

“Kapag may directive po ang IATF na kailangan pong baguhin, immediately po kaya po nating i-implement and we have the sufficient manpower naman po para tugunan po itong mga pangangailangan na ito (Once the IATF gives its directive to change it, we will immediately implement it and we have sufficient manpower to augment these needs),” she added.

Sandoval said they are strictly enforcing health protocols and social distancing measures in all entry and exit points to make sure that travelers are safe when passing through the immigration area.

The above report ended stating that there have been confirmed cases of Omicron variant in South Africa, Botswana, and Hong Kong.

While the Omicron news published are scary and unsettling to learn about, it should be noted that there are still ways for the Philippines to prevent the new variant from entering the country even though the national authorities are constantly working as people of different nationalities enter, exit or pass through our nation via air travel.

As the Omicron variant was found to be much more infectious than the previous variants of coronavirus, now is a much more crucial time for every unvaccinated person here in the Philippines to go out and get vaccinated. That being said, the patients who are due for a 2nd dose of their vaccine should contact the local authorities to ask when will they be scheduled for the 2nd shot. As for the fully vaccinated, watch out for updates about the release of booster shots for more patients apart from the already receiving senior citizens, the health workers and immunocompromised. For anyone vaccinated already enjoying the added freedom of movement and the ongoing revival of businesses under Metro Manila’s Alert Level 2 status (extended to November 30, 2021), always maintain caution by following health protocols.

As the many secular and liberal media outlets around the world enjoy publishing scary news about Omicron, we who believe in Lord Jesus should not panic nor allow ourselves to be crushed by fear. For His protection, I urge you all to pray to Him with Psalm 91 in the Holy Bible. Maintain unwavering faith in the Lord no matter what.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Millions of Sputnik V vaccine doses plus 5,000 Sputnik Light vaccine doses in the Philippines

COVID-19 Crisis: Millions of Sputnik V vaccine doses plus 5,000 Sputnik Light vaccine doses in the Philippines

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Last week, a few million brand new doses of Sputnik V vaccines arrived here in the Philippines and at the same time, the single-dose Sputnik Light vaccine also arrived according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report.

You must be wondering what the differences between Sputnik V and Sputnik Light are. To understand things better, posted are excerpts about the two vaccines from SputnikVaccine.com for your reference. Some parts in boldface…

About Sputnik V

Sputnik V is the world’s first registered vaccine based on a well-studied human adenovirus vector platform. It has been approved for use in 71 countries with a total population of 4 billion people.

The vaccine is named after the first Soviet space satellite. The launch of Sputnik-1 in 1957 reinvigorated space research around the world, creating a so called “Sputnik moment” for the global community.

The vaccine’s efficacy is 97.6%, based on the analysis of data on the incidence of coronavirus among Russians vaccinated with both vaccine components between December 5, 2020 and March 31, 2021.

Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials for the vaccine were completed on August 1, 2020. The Phase 3 clinical trial results were published in Russia in the Lancet magazine on February 2, 2021. Phase 3 clinical trials of Sputnik V have also been successful in the UAE, India, Venezuela and Belarus.

The Sputnik V vaccine is based on a proven well-studied human adenovirus vector platform; these vectors cause the common cold and have plagued humanity for millennia.

Sputnik V was the first coronavirus vaccine to use a heterogeneous boosting approach based on 2 different vectors for 2 vaccine shots. This approach generates a more sustainable immunity compared to vaccines that use the same delivery mechanism for both shots.

The safety, efficacy and lack of long-term adverse effects of adenovirus vaccines have been proven in more than 250 clinical trials over two decades.

Sputnik V does not cause severe allergies.

A storage temperature of +2…+8 °C allows the vaccine to be stored in a regular refrigerator without the need to invest in additional cold chain infrastructure.

Sputnik V is effective against new strains of coronavirus, according to a study by the Gamaleya Research Institute for Epidemiology and Microbiology published in the leading international magazine Vaccines.

The vaccine produces protective neutralising antibody titres against new strains, including Alpha B.1.1.7 (first identified in the UK), Beta B.1.351 (first identified in South Africa), Gamma P.1 (first identified in Brazil), Delta B.1.617.2 and B.1.617.3 (first identified in India) and variants B.1.1.141 and B.1.1.317 with mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) identified in Moscow.

About Sputnik Light

Sputnik Light is the first component (recombinant human adenovirus serotype number 26 (rAd26)) of Sputnik V – the world’s first registered vaccine against coronavirus.

The Sputnik Light vaccine, like Sputnik V, is based on a proven well-studied human adenovirus vector platform; these vectors cause the common cold and have peacefully coexisted with humanity for millenia.

Safety of Sputnik Light, as the first component of Sputnik V, was confirmed by real-world data from UAE, Bahrain, Argentina, Russia, Mexico, Serbia, San Marino, Philippines, Libya, Paraguay, Hungary, Azerbaijan and Belarus.

Sputnik Light, the first component of Sputnik V, is a safe and approved stand-alone one-shot vaccine. 80% proven efficacy against infection, higher than that of most two-shot vaccines.

Sputnik Light is also a leading booster shot for people previously infected with COVID-19 (and) for revaccinations after Sputnik V or other vaccines.

Sputnik Light as a stand-alone vaccine is highly effective against Delta and other mutations: 70% efficacy against infection by Delta, over 75% efficacy in the age group below 60. Efficacy against hospitalization and severe disease is even higher. Sputnik Light efficacy as a booster will be close to that of two shots of Sputnik V against Delta.

Sputnik Light has a long-lasting protection, which even increases over 4-6 months following the vaccination. Many other vaccines showed dramatic decrease in efficacy against Delta variant to below 50% within the same time period.

Were you about to absorb all the details in the above excerpts? Whatever you think of Sputnik V and Sputnik Light, I recommend you read their respective full articles on the official Sputnik Vaccine website.

And now we can proceed on the recent news about the two Russian vaccines and the Philippines. To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA report. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippines plans to procure more of the one-shot Sputnik Light anti-coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine after receiving its first batch, donated by Russia, on Friday.

A total of 5,000 doses of the Sputnik Light vaccine arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2, along with the 2,805,000 doses (1,402,500 doses each of Components I and II) of Sputnik V shots, which were procured by the Philippine government.

National Task Force Against Covid-19 chief implementer, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., said negotiations are underway for the procurement of at least 10 million more doses of Sputnik Light.

“We are confident that these talks would yield positive results as we diversify our vaccine portfolio and scale up our vaccine throughput and achieve herd immunity by the first quarter of 2022,” Galvez said in an interview. “We are very happy that we will be renegotiating again for Sputnik Light.”

He said the government would allocate the first batch of the one-shot Sputnik Light vaccine to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which has the lowest vaccination rate among the 17 regions, with about 320,000 fully inoculated out of the 2.9 million target population.

“Ibigay muna natin sa mga hindi pa nakakakuha ng (Let’s give these to those who have yet to get) protection. I believe it is more useful na gamitin itong (to use these) as first dose so we can at least protect na agad ‘yung (right away the) first 5,000,” Galvez said.

He said the latest delivery of 2.8 million doses of Sputnik V completes the government’s procurement contract with the Russian Direct Investment Fund for the supply of 10 million doses.

“The completion of this contract is a testament to the robust relationship between our countries. Moreover, it demonstrates Russia’s strong commitment to helping provide greater vaccine accessibility to all nations, including the Philippines,” Galvez said. “We will be able to protect five million more Filipinos from the fatal effect of the Covid-19 virus and continue to bring down our active caseload and save more lives.”

Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III said the Sputnik Light vaccine may be more effective as a booster shot.

“Mukhang maganda for booster iyong Sputnik Light. Mas mahaba daw ang (The Sputnik Light may be better used for booster shots. It gives longer) protection of about eight months beyond,” Duque said in another interview. “We’re going to have our vaccine expert panel review the documents.”

Galvez echoed Duque’s statements, saying the Sputnik Light could boost the primary doses that are adenoviral vector-based vaccines, such as AstraZeneca and the similar single-dose Janssen.

“There are many scholars in Jordan saying the Sputnik Light is good. And also, this fits with our heterologous or mix and match of boosters,” he said.

The Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorization of the following vaccine brands to include an additional shot – Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Sinovac, and Sputnik Light.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What can you say about this new development? If you have been vaccinated with Sputnik V, how long has it been since your last shot? If you are fully vaccinated already, regardless of vaccine brands, would you be willing to accept a Sputnik vaccine as your booster shot?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

COVID-19 Crisis: Private sector stakeholders urge government to allow them to use purchased vaccines as booster shots for fully vaccinated employees plus household members

COVID-19 Crisis: Private sector stakeholders urge government to allow them to use purchased vaccines as booster shots for fully vaccinated employees plus household members

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According to a recent report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA), more than twenty-five private sector stakeholders urged the government to let them use purchased vaccines as booster shots for their employees who have been fully vaccinated as well as for the household members. Take note that the current growing economic recovery (related to the low daily count of new COVID-19 infections) could be derailed if the huge COVID-19 vaccine supply of the nation does not fully get used before expiration.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA report. Some parts in boldface…

Some 26 groups from the private sector are appealing to the government to allow them to use the vaccines they purchased to be given as booster shots for their employees and household members.

In a joint statement Tuesday, the private sector said “vaccines are arriving faster than they can be dispensed” and the private sector cannot take the risk of having their purchased vaccines expire and go to waste.

The private sector has been active in buying coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines since last year to help the government in its vaccination efforts.

“We fully understand the need to prioritize certain sectors when vaccines are scarce, but the government has announced that its stockpile of vaccines has now reached close to 60 million and continues to increase as the vaccines are arriving faster than they can be dispensed,” the groups said.

They said the country no longer has a vaccine shortage and now has a large inventory, thus the vaccines that they have purchased could now be used as booster shots for their employees and dependents.

The private groups have also recognized that the high vaccination rate in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, and the increasing inoculation rate across the country has resulted in a dramatic decline in cases after the surge due to threats of Delta variant last August.

The boost in vaccination drive has also allowed the safe reopening of the economy.

“But studies show that Covid vaccine efficacy wanes beyond six months and without boosters, we increase the risk of another surge which could again shut down the economy,” the groups added.

The above report ended stating that the government has allowed booster shots mainly for priority groups A1 to A3, specifically the health workers, the senior citizens and the comorbid patients.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What can you say about this new development? Were you vaccinated by your employer who purchased vaccines in coordination with the national government? Do you think the national authorities will consider the message of the 26 private sector groups? Do you believe that the national authorities are capable on managing COVID-19 vaccines with regards to receiving them and distributing them while monitoring their expiration dates?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

Better than Streaming: Dune (2021) 4K Blu-ray coming out on January 11, 2022

Better than Streaming: Dune (2021) 4K Blu-ray coming out on January 11, 2022

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Welcome back, fellow geeks, Blu-ray collectors and movie buffs! The 2021 movie Dune (directed by staunch cinema defender Denis Villeneuve)can be viewed in the comfort of home in a much better version than HBO Max/HBO Go on January 11, 2022 as its 4K Blu-ray combo (4K Blu-ray disc, Blu-ray and digital code) will be released on that very day! There will also be a Best Buy-exclusive steel book version released as well.

The good news this early is that Dune (2021) 4K Blu-ray will come with native 4K visuals! While its price and the official start of pre-ordering the product have yet to be announced as of this writing, you can find its Amazon listing by clicking here. If you really are interested in the movie’s 4K Blu-ray combo, I encourage you to keep revisiting the Amazon listing for updates.

To put things in perspective, posted below are key details from the Blu-ray.com article about Dune (2021) 4K Blu-ray combo. Some parts in boldface…

The front cover.

Special Features and Technical Specs:

  • DOLBY VISION/HDR PRESENTATION OF THE FILM
  • DOLBY ATMOS AUDIO TRACK
  • Featurettes:
    • The Royal Houses
    • Filmbooks: House Atreides
    • Filmbooks: House Harkonnen
    • Filmbooks: The Spice Melangelnside Dune – The Training Room
    • Inside Dune: The Space Harvester
    • Inside Dune: The Sardaukar Battle
    • Building the Ancient Future
    • My Desert, My Dune
    • Constructing the Orniyhropters
    • Designing the Sandworm
    • Beware the Baron
    • Wardrobe From Another World
    • A New Soundscape
  • 4K Blu-ray subtitles: English SDH, Latin Spanish, Canadian French, Parisian French, German, German SDH, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish, Greek, Korean, and Hindi
  • Blu-ray subtitles: English SDH, Latin Spanish, Canadian French, Portuguese-Brazilian, Bulgarian, Czech Republic, Hungarian, Japanese, Polish, Romanian, and Hindi
The rear cover.

Posted below are the other details from Dune’s (2021) own page at Blu-ray.com…

Video

Codec: HEVC / H.265

Resolution: Native 4K (2160p)

HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10

Aspect ratio: 2.39:1, 1.78:1

Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1, 1.43:1

Audio

English: Dolby Atmos

English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)

Note: All Dolby Atmos tracks have a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit) core

Subtitles – English SDH, French, Spanish

Discs – 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray Disc, Two-disc set (1 BD-100, 1 BD-50)

Digital – Digital 4K, Movies Anywhere

Packaging – Slipcover in original pressing

Playback – 4K Blu-ray: Region free, 2K Blu-ray: Region A

While Dune (2021) has been playing in the local cinemas here in my native Philippines for weeks now, I’m still waiting for the film to be screened on an IMAX cinema operated by SM Cinema (which itself started to gradually reopen). I am aware that the film is being shown on another cinema with IMAX with Laser technology but that cinema’s price is simply too expensive for me. Dune (2021) was filmed with Arri Alexa LF IMAX and Arri Alexa Mini LF IMAX cameras and that alone convinces me to watch it on an IMAX screen. In relation to SM Cinema’s reopening, the nearest IMAX cinema should reopen on November 30.

While I am not a fan of the Dune literary series as well as the failed 1984 movie, this year’s cinematic version looks grand under the passionate direction of Villeneuve and it has an ambitious cast that includes Aquaman Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin, and Rebecca Ferguson to name a few. Given the fact that the movie was released on HBO Max, it looks highly unlikely it will achieve a tremendous ticket sales success just as more cinemas are reopening worldwide as more people got vaccinated for COVID-19. When I say tremendous ticket sales, I’m talking about grossing $750 million worldwide. As of this writing, Dune (2021) grossed $365.5 million worldwide while theater-exclusive movies No Time to Die and F9: The Fast Saga have grossed over $700 million worldwide each. Very clearly, the HBO Max-theaters hybrid release of Warner Bros. is a big mistake. Remember, what people pay for on streaming goes to the service, not the movie.

Now that Dune (2021) 4K Blu-ray combo is set for a January 11, 2022 release, does this latest development spark your interest? I myself am eager to see how the IMAX-recorded footage will turn out in 4K Blu-ray visuals.

In closing this Better than Streaming piece, posted below are some Dune-related videos for your viewing pleasure. Also included are a few videos about the 1984 Dune movie.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts and talk about cinema, visit the Movie Fans Worldwide Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/322857711779576

COVID-19 Crisis: Fully vaccinated senior citizens in Las Piñas City getting boosted with additional shots

COVID-19 Crisis: Fully vaccinated senior citizens in Las Piñas City getting boosted with additional shots

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The Manila Bulletin reported that the initial batch of fully vaccinated senior citizens of Las Piñas City got boosted with additional shots for COVID-19 as the local effort on administering booster shots officially launched this past Tuesday. The City Government aims to go higher administering shots for about four thousand fully vaccinated senior citizens daily in the foreseeable future.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Las Pinas City government started administering booster shots against COVID-19 to the city’s senior citizens on Tuesday (Nov. 23).

Paul San Miguel, Public Information Office chief, said Mayor Imelda Aguilar is targeting about 4,000 senior citizens in the city to get the booster shot per day.

San Miguel said booster shots for medical health workers that started on Saturday (Nov. 20) will continue.

He said those who were scheduled to receive their booster shot will receive a text message from the City Health Office (CHO) indicating the site, date, and time of their vaccination.

The PIO chief explained that senior citizens who were fully vaccinated for six months and scheduled to receive their booster shot must present their vaccination card.

The giving of booster shots to senior citizens, including health workers, are scheduled at 12 noon to 4 p.m. at Villar Sipag Hall, University of Perpetual Help –System Dalta covered gym and at Las Pinas General Hospital Satellite and Trauma Center.

While it is true that the City Government already claimed that herd immunity has been achieved, the continued effort on administering booster shots is essential. By now, some of you may have read varied articles about medical studies showing certain vaccines’ protection wearing off months after the last injection/inoculation. Waning immunity is becoming a major topic of discussion about COVID-19 vaccination, and it has been reported that within six months of the 2nd shot of Pfizer, the immunity wanes regardless of the age of the patient.

Once again, booster shots are meant to be injected into fully vaccinated patients and among them are the senior citizens as one key group (the other groups are the health workers and the  immunocompromised individuals).

For all the unvaccinated people reading this, any Las Piñas resident who has yet to get registered for the free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways (4 methods) by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

Meanwhile, the City Government is already handling the online registration process for COVID-19 vaccination for local minors (aged 12 to 17) which can be done at http://laspinascityonline.laspinascity.gov.ph/eCVRS/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are there lots of fully vaccinated senior citizens in your local community who are aware of the ongoing booster shots program?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City administers more than 700k jabs, 104.2% of target population vaccinated

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City administers more than 700k jabs, 104.2% of target population vaccinated

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The City Government of Muntinlupa, through the Muntinlupa City COVID-19 Vaccination Program (MunCoVac), announced that the city already administered a total of 733,219 vaccines and has inoculated more than 100% of the target population as of November 19.

MunCoVac posted in its Facebook page that 402,013 Muntinlupeños (104.2% of target) have been vaccinated with at least one dose while 355,565 (87% of the target) have been fully vaccinated.

Of the total number of individuals vaccinated, at least 17,521 (first dose) and 10,659 (second dose) were inoculated in Muntinlupa private companies.

Meanwhile, MunCoVac continues to encourage those who haven’t received their vaccine yet to register online.

“Vaccination is still ongoing. Kindly register at vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac/ to get your protection against COVID-19,” MunCoVac stated.

Further, at least 247 health care workers in Muntinlupa have received their COVID-19 vaccine booster shot, while 18,320 minors aged 12-17 have been inoculated as of November 21.

The City Government started administering booster shots for medical health workers in various vaccination sites last November 19. Medical frontliners in Muntinlupa were inoculated for their booster shot at Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun), SM Center Muntinlupa, Ayala Malls South Park, Sucat Health Center, and Cupang Health Center.

Local health workers are requested to bring their original vaccination card and a valid ID in the vaccination sites. While for immunocompromised members of the A1 category, they shall present a medical certificate indicating their comorbidities.

Those residing in Muntinlupa and were vaccinated in other cities are encouraged to register online thru vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac to receive a schedule for their booster shot in the city.

Meanwhile, a total of 18,320 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been given to minors aged 12 to 17 years old in Muntinlupa as of November 21. Of the total, 17,773 minors received their first dose and 547 got their second dose, making them fully vaccinated. The total vaccinated are equivalent to 33 percent of the total population of 55,391 of minors 12 to 17 years old in the city.

As of November 21, a total of 33,662 minors have registered with MunCoVac or 61 percent of the total population for the age group in the city. Out of the total registrants, 2,449 or 7 percent have comorbidities and are classified as Pediatric A3, and 31,213 or 93 percent are classified as “well children.”

Muntinlupa City has 27,584 confirmed cases with 26,939 recoveries, 70 active cases, 578 reported deaths, 28 suspect cases, and 411 probable cases.

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The above information was sourced from an official press release. Some parts were changed for this website.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  HavenorFantasy@twitter.com as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

I Love Israel: Israeli Ambassador Ilan Flus confirms commitment on collaborating with the Philippines on technology, innovation and medicine

I Love Israel: Israeli Ambassador Ilan Flus confirms commitment on collaborating with the Philippines on technology, innovation and medicine

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The ties between the Philippines and Israel continued to get stronger as the new Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss confirmed that the State of Israel is committed to collaborate with the Filipino nation on important fields, the Manila Bulletin reported.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

Israel is committed to pursue collaboration with the Philippines in the areas of technology, innovation and medicine, according to its new ambassador to Manila.

Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss confirmed at the “Pandesal Forum at Kamuning Bakery Café” that lots of cooperation are going on between the two countries.

In agriculture, the ambassador said that cooperation in agriculture technology is being discussed and is handled by its economic section. He mentioned of an Israeli initiative for an irrigation project in the country using solar technology to help Philippine agriculture.

Fluss also said that he met recently with Defense Secretary Eduardo Año to discuss cooperation in defense and military training.

On medicines, the ambassador explained that Israel is not yet into COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing, but they are going into that. He said that Israel is still in the second stage in their clinical research for COVID-19 vaccine.

“We are open to discuss partnership with the Philippines,” he said. In fact, he said, that an Israeli firm is already looking into the manufacture of medicines in the Philippines, but may not be necessarily COVID-19 vaccines.

Meantime, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority announced the approval of Israeli-Filipino joint venture Savepoint Biotek for its proposal to manufacture oral COVID-19 vaccines.

According to PEZA, Savepoint is investing P83 million initially for the project to be located in the Pampanga Economic Zone. The joint venture even projected annual sales of $180 million from the Philippines and export markets.

A source privy to the project application said the company has projected annual sales of $180 million of which 70 percent is expected to come from its export markets Asia Pacific and Africa. The project is also expected to employ 425 workers upon full commercial operation.

Sources said that partners, the Filipino and the Israel pharmaceutical firm, are still finalizing their equity structure. While waiting, the source said, the project would be represented by the Filipino group.

It is always great to learn of the cooperation and unity between Israelis and Filipinos, and as always, we must thank the Lord! Apart from the diplomatic developments, the establishment of Savepoint Biotek by Israelis and Filipinos is significant especially with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful (not religious), you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel, love the Jewish people and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Always stand in support of Israel!

In ending this I Love Israel piece, posted below are Israel-related videos for your viewing pleasure.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

COVID-19 Crisis: Over 33 million fully vaccinated people around the Philippines

COVID-19 Crisis: Over 33 million fully vaccinated people around the Philippines

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According to a report by GMA Network, the total number of fully vaccinated people here in the Philippines surpassed 33 million. On face value, the number looks big but in reality, it is only a fraction of the target number of people who are eligible to be vaccinated. Also it should be remembered that the Philippines has an overall population of more than 100 million.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

About 33.3 million individuals or 39% of the eligible population in the country are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19, the Department of Health (DOH) said Monday.

In a radio interview, Health Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire said the 39% is based on the population who are allowed to get vaccinated, which is around 84 million.

This figure is still far from the government’s target of vaccinating 80% of its 109 million population by May 9, 2022.

The DOH is, however, ramping up the inoculation drive by conducting a three-day national vaccination campaign dubbed as “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” which seeks to administer five million doses daily or a total of 1 million jabs.

Vergeire emphasized that this shall prioritize the unvaccinated individuals, but the DOH has yet to decide if the boosters will be included in this inoculation drive from November 29 to December 1.

“Kaya natin ito ginagawa para maitaas pa ho natin ang fully vaccinated sa ating bansa bago man lang mag-Pasko, bago mag-holiday season. So, that’s our real target–those who are not yet vaccinated,” she said.

(We are doing this to increase the number of fully vaccinated individuals in our country before the Christmas season. Our real target is those who are not yet vaccinated.)

“Ito po ang pinaguusapan sa ngayon ano, if we are going to also have booster shots during this National Vaccination Day. Magbibigay po tayo ng anunsyo kung itutuloy po natin itong booster vaccination during these three days po.”

(We are still discussing if we would include the booster shots during the National Vaccination Day, and if so, we will announce it soon.)

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What can you say about this new development? If you are a fully vaccinated person, are you anticipating already the eventual booster shot/3rd shot?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

COVID-19 Crisis: Over 180 health workers receive booster shots in Muntinlupa City on 1st day of booster rollout

COVID-19 Crisis: Over 180 health workers receive booster shots in Muntinlupa City on 1st day of booster rollout

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The City Government of Muntinlupa announced that over one hundred eighty health workers received their respective booster shots during the first day of the rollout of booster shots that took place last Friday, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

The Muntinlupa City government rolled out the administration of booster shots in different vaccination sites on Nov. 19.

According to the City Health Office (CHO), 183 fully vaccinated healthcare workers belonging to the A1 priority group were given booster shots on the first day of the rollout.

Of the total, 178 received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as booster shots while five were given Sinovac Life Sciences’ CoronaVac vaccine.

By vaccination site, 131 healthcare workers were vaccinated at the city-run Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun), 23 at SM Center-Muntinlupa, 17 at Ayala Malls South Park and 12 at Sucat covered court.

In total, 4,748 individuals were vaccinated in Muntinlupa on Nov. 19 including 860 minors aged 12 to 17 years old who got their first dose and 143 minors who received their second dose, making them fully vaccinated.

In launching the booster shots, the Muntinlupa City government held a ceremonial event at SM Center-Muntinlupa attended by CHO officer-in-charge Dr. Juancho Bunyi, Department of Health (DOH) representative Dr. Anatoly De Los Santos, Coun. Allan Camilon and National Immunization Program Coordinator Dr. Rochelle Abat.

According to the DOH, boosters shots are “doses administered to a vaccinated population that has completed primary vaccination series, when, with time, vaccine effectiveness has fallen below a rate deemed sufficient in that population, as indicated in the EUA [Emergency Use Authorization] issued by the FDA [Food and Drug Administration].”

It added that for those who were fully vaccinated with Sinovac’s CoronaVac, AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Sputnik V, the administration of booster shots is given at least six months after they received their second dose. For the single-dose Janssen vaccine, the booster shot is given at least three months after getting inoculated.

Residents of Muntinlupa City who remain unregistered and unvaccinated should make a move to get registered by learning the ways to do it. Those who are prepared (with personal information available) and willing to go through online registration for the free vaccines in Muntinlupa are encouraged to click https://vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac/

Muntinlupa minors may register online through the city’s COVID-19 vaccination registration system at www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac and choose category “C – Rest of Population.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, are you eager to find out when will the local authorities start rolling out booster shots for full vaccinated patients from the general population?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Fully vaccinated frontline health workers getting boosted (booster shots)

COVID-19 Crisis: Fully vaccinated frontline health workers getting boosted (booster shots)

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And there they go with a new round of vaccinating lots of people! Yesterday marked the start of the national authorities to inoculate several fully vaccinated healthcare workers with the booster shots (AKA 3rd shots) for COVID-19, as reported by GMA News. In relation to this development, the Philippines has over one hundred twenty-four million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, all booster brands recommended by the government were declared safe by the national authorities and there was confidence that surpassing 1.5 million doses per day in terms of inoculation can be achieved.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippines on Wednesday began the inoculation of fully-vaccinated healthcare workers with booster shots against COVID-19.

According to Allan Gatus’ report on Super Radyo dzBB, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III led the ceremonial vaccination of medical frontliners at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. and Health Undersecretary Antipordo Vega also attended the ceremonial vaccination.

Health care workers in San Juan City have also begun receiving their booster doses, according to dzBB reporter Mark Makalalad.

The National Vaccination Operations Center earlier released the guidelines for the vaccination of medical frontliners with booster dose.

Also, the NVOC said Filipinos who were vaccinated with Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac, Gamaleya, and AstraZeneca for their primary dose series must wait at least six months before getting a booster shot.

Meanwhile, those who were vaccinated with the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine for their primary dose series must wait until three months.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. has said the country may start inoculating fully-vaccinated senior citizens and persons with comorbidities with additional doses by next week.

Posted below is a related news video by GMA…

For the newcomers reading this, the 3rd shot or booster shot of COVID-19 vaccine is need to ensure prolonged immunity to the coronavirus. That being said, if you are fully vaccinated health worker, you should remember how long has it been since you got your 2nd dose. As for the rest of the general population, you have to wait first for the authorities to formally declare booster shots for everyone else as it is not legal yet for any person to just avail of a 3rd shot. Right now, the health workers go first.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What can you say about this new development? Do you personally know someone who works as a health worker dealing with COVID-19 matters?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673