ILOILO – Eighteen island barangays in Carles town started receiving vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) yesterday for a weeklong inoculation by the provincial government.
The goal is to vaccinate 12,500 residents, according to Dr. Ma. Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of the Provincial Health Office (PHO).
Carles had the second lowest vaccine coverage in this province, Quiñon pointed out.
As of Nov. 11, only 30 percent of the town’s 50,994 total target population received free anti-virus shots.
“Fifty-five percent of the residents are from the islands. Carles’ vaccine accomplishment could affect sa bilog nga probinsya,” explained Quiñon.
To hasten vaccination, the 18 barangays were clustered.
The Regional Incident Management Team of the Office of Civil Defense in Region 6, Department of Health Region 6 and the Philippine Red Cross augmented the vaccination drive.
The provincial government also plans to bring the vaccination team to Estancia.
Here are the local government units with the lowest vaccination rate (as of Nov. 11): Estancia (26 percent) Carles (30 percent), San Enrique (32 percent), Maasin (33 percent), Ajuy (33 percent),
San Miguel (33 percent), Tigbauan (34 percent), San Rafael (34 percent), Passi City (36 percent), Calinog (36 percent), and Sara (36 percent)./PN
