An Aeta community of 500 in Capas, Tarlac received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine earlier this week thanks to the Office of the Vice President’s Vaccine Express program.
In a statement, Vice President Leni Robredo thanked the Capas municipal government, Angat Buhay partners, the Aeta Ako, Pilipino Ako Foundation as well as medical and non-medical volunteers who helped make the initiative successful, which also included a medical caravan for the Aetas.
Aside from getting their first shots, the community also received a free medical checkup, relief packs, and post-vaccination care kits that contained paracetamol, vitamin C tablets, and bottled water.
VP Leni was present at the program together with her daughter Tricia, who helped administer the vaccines. Tricia is a licensed doctor.
The Vice President wrote, “Bakunado na rin sila! Nakatanggap na ng unang dose ng COVID-19 vaccine ang mga kapatid nating Aeta sa ilalim ng ating #VaccineExpress at medical caravan ngayong araw. Malaking tulong ito upang maproteksyunan na rin ang kanilang komunidad mula sa sakit.”
(They’re finally vaccinated! Our Aeta brothers and sisters received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine under our #VaccineExpress and medical caravan today. This will be a huge help in protecting their community against illness.)
Vaccine Express is an initiative under the Office of the Vice President (OVP) to help speed up the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programs in partnership with local government units — through mobilizing additional doctors, nurses, medical students, and other non-medical volunteers. The OVP also provides additional supplies to help LGUs facilitate smoother vaccination programs.
READ: This week in PH pandemic response: No face shields outdoors, vaccine cards on ID lanyards
