Pop-up vaccination sites set on May 9

MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) is set to put up temporary coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccination sites in areas near voting centers on May 9, 2022. In a televised public briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said there will be pop-up vaccination sites all over the country come Election Day.

“These can be pop-up vaccination sites or tents, which will be located outside of the polling centers, about 30 meters radius from the polling sites,” said Vergeire.

She said the move comes in a bid to make Covid-19 vaccines more accessible to the people, particularly to those casting their votes.

This, she said, includes those looking to get primary vaccine doses or booster shots.

“After voting, those willing can get their vaccinations there,” said Vergeire.

Asked if the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is allowing such activities, she answered in the affirmative.

“The Comelec agreed as long as it is outside the 30 meters radius from polling centers,” Vergeire said.

The Comelec earlier expressed reservations over the plan of the DOH to establish vaccination sites inside voting centers. The poll body said this is because it might mislead voters to believe that vaccination is needed for the exercise of the right to vote.