RETAILERS expressed support for a proposal to require store visitors to present proof of having received a booster shot as a condition of entry, saying that such a measure will increase confidence in the public.

Steven T. Cua, Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association (Pagasa) said in a mobile phone message that the proposed booster card requirement will ensure that consumers are aware of the need to take all measures needed to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Pagasa agrees to this scheme to check on vaccination cards. It will, to certain extent, remind the people to sustain the attitude needed to deal with the pandemic, tone down crowded events, and help maintain a safer environment,” Mr. Cua said.

Mr. Cua said the proposal is best implemented in areas with high vaccination rates.

“It is wise to consider administering this only in areas where a high volume of shots have been provided by government to make this policy practicable and not anti-poor,” Mr. Cua said.

In a mobile phone message, Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) President Rosemarie B. Ong said such a measure will help boost confidence among consumers.  

“(The proposal) will give more confidence as mobility increases,” Ms. Ong said.

Mr. Cua said there may be some downsides to the proposed booster card requirement if the COVID-19 pandemic lingers on.

“Guards or checkers (may not pay attention to) the ‘validity’ of booster cards if the pandemic situation carries on for some time and another series of booster shots is due. Guards monitoring these cards must (also) be well-oriented,” Mr. Cua said.  

Recently, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Ma. A. Concepcion III said that booster cards should be required for entry in establishments within high-vaccination zones such as the National Capital Region (NCR).

Mr. Concepcion said booster shots are needed to maintain protection against COVID-19 since the original doses’ efficacy declines within four to six months after the last dose.

“The reality is that the vaccine’s efficacy will wane and we don’t want to risk seeing more cases that could easily have been prevented by encouraging people to get boostered,” Mr. Concepcion said.

“The booster card requirement makes sense in the NCR because they received their primary doses ahead of the rest of the Philippines. However, they are also at higher risk from waning immunity and must be encouraged to get their booster shots right away,” he added.

Currently, only vaccination cards are required for entry into public spaces. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

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