If you’re not yet vaccinated, the two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) may just be your chance. The government is now opening vaccinations to the public—regardless of your position on the priority list.

In a report by Inquirer, the Department of Health (DOH) is working with local government units (LGUs) in NCR to inoculate more individuals in order to reach herd immunity. Anyone above the age of 18 can now register for vaccination.

While the ECQ period means that the COVID-19 vaccine is open to anyone over 18, DOH is still asking LGUs to prioritize the elderly and those with comorbidities. DOH also wants to remind people that walk-ins will not be entertained and you must pre-register with your LGU in order to get the shot.

The government is opening its vaccination drive to anyone, 18 years and older, in the NCR during the two-week lockdown starting Aug. 6 to achieve a wider coverage of Metro Manila’s population. https://t.co/ihh0ZX9goF
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 2, 2021

The news of the wider vaccine coverage comes at the heels of a potential Delta COVID-19 outbreak in the country. According to OCTA Research, the Delta variant is possibly being spread locally, which may be the cause of the spike in cases in NCR.

There are currently 2.5 million assured vaccine doses that will be distributed in the NCR region during the ECQ period. Prior to this, Metro Manila mayors negotiated for at least 4 million assured vaccine doses for distribution during ECQ, as well as the distribution of financial aid through the Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

According to independent vaccine rate tracking website timetoherd.com, 8.83 percent of the population is vaccinated as of writing. With current daily average vaccination rates, we are expected to reach herd immunity in mid-2022, think tank Oxford Economics reported last July.