Accessibility to COVID-19 vaccination is not a problem anymore as LRT-1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) brings COVID-19 vaccination to more LRT-1 stations through its Yamaha Monumento and Balintawak Stations. This initiative takes place on the back of the implementation of 100% passenger capacity in public transportation under Alert Level 1 in Metro Manila starting 01 March 2022.
Building on recent success in getting a total of 745 LRT-1 passengers vaccinated in its earlier runs of COVID-19 vaccination drives at LRT-1 Baclaran and Central Stations, LRMC is targeting to vaccinate 300 individuals per week in its vaccination site at LRT-1 Yamaha Monumento Station in partnership with Caloocan Health Department, and LRT-1 Balintawak Station with the Quezon City Health Department.
“We understand that others are still facing barriers in traveling to vaccination sites. In the last installment of our vaccination drive, we are ensuring that transportation is not a barrier to vaccination. At LRMC, transportation will pave the way to vaccination, especially now that we are all set to serve more passengers under Alert Level 1,” Dr. Louernie F. De Sales, LRMC Head of Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality Department shared.
The LRT-1 Yamaha Monumento Station vaccination site is initially targeted to run the whole month of March. It is open from Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm. Available brands are Janssen and AstraZeneca for first dose and booster jab.
“The City Government of Caloocan has always appreciated the value of LRT-1 Monumento Station as a strategic point in the conveyance of passengers as well as a point of convergence. By expanding the COVID-19 Vaccination at this station, we hope to be able to bring the service closer to the people, ensure that all its passengers are protected through vaccination, and contribute to the protected through vaccination, and contribute to the country’s goal of preventing the spread of the virus. When we make vaccination convenient, easy, and quick for our clients, they are more likely to say yes and get protected,” Dr. Evelyn Ong Cuevas, Caloocan City Health Office OIC said.
The LRT-1 Balintawak Station vaccination site is also targeted to run for a month starting 02 March 2022. It is open every Monday and Wednesday from 9am to 3pm. Available brands are AstraZeneca and Sinovac for second dose and booster jab.
“Para mapalawak ang bakunahan, meron po tayong first dose, second dose at booster na available. Importante po ang second dose para maging fully vaccinated. Para manatili ang proteksyon, mahalaga po mabigyan ng booster dose pagkatapos ng three (3) months mula pagkabigay ng second dose,” Dr. Haniel Aberin, Apolonio Samson Health Center Medical Officer III said.
To date, LRMC has already achieved 99.7% vaccination rate and 65.5% for booster shots among LRT-1 employees making LRT-1 ready to accommodate more passengers under Alert Level 1 after the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has approved full passenger capacity starting 01 March 2022. Minimum health protocols will continue to be strictly enforced.