ILOILO City – The inoculation of the young population is another milestone in the vaccination campaign of this southern city, according to Director Adriano Suba-an of the Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas.
Yesterday, Suba-an, together with Mayor Jerry Treñas, Cong. Julienne Baronda, Saint Paul’s Hospital Inc. (SPHI) director, Sr. Arcelita Sarnillo, and other stakeholders graced the ceremonial vaccination of two 12-year-olds (first in this city) using the Pfizer anti-COVID vaccine.
“Inuna natin ‘yung may comorbidity kasi sila ‘yung vulnerable. We will also cover those without comorbidity starting Nov. 3,” said Suba-an.
He explained that those with comorbidities must be vaccinated in the hospital so they can be managed right away if they experience adverse effects. Prior to their inoculation, they should be screened by a pediatrician.
A total of 130 minors aged 12 to 17 years (with comorbidity) availed themselves of the Pfizer shots yesterday.
On Nov. 3, Suba-an said the vaccination for minors without comorbidity at regular vaccination sites would be region-wide, targeting the areas with high vaccination accomplishment.
Treñas, meanwhile, was thankful to DOH and the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for continuously sending free vaccines.
He said a total of 50,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines are allotted for Iloilo City, enough for the target number of minors here.
“Madugang pa kita. Ang iban nga naga-eskwela diri sa syudad, bisan indi taga syudad, seguro tugotan ta man nga makapabakuna,” Treñas added.
The city mayor also expressed his appreciation to SPHI for piloting the pediatric vaccination, which coincided with their 117th anniversary celebration.
‘ILOILO CITY MAKES IT’
Suba-an commended Treñas and his team in the fight against COVID-19. He cited the high vaccination accomplishment of the city.
“Thank you, Mayor for your support. It takes a person with excellent leadership and governance and qualities to lead a population, a city in the fight against COVID-19. To all the men and women behind you – maraming maraming salamat po for showing to the rest of the Philippines that you can make it,” said Suba-an.
Suba-an said Iloilo City’s healthcare utilization rate (HCUR), which is 43 percent, average daily attack rate and two-week growth rate are low.
On the other hand, Suba-an urged the Ilonggos to help “bring back the bustle and hustle of the urban life” through vaccination.
Suba-an said Iloilo City’s vaccination coverage is already 87 percent (fully vaccinated), while more than 100 percent already received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
“If we are going to reach 100 percent we can bring back the life of Iloilo City,” the regional director said, adding Iloilo City so far leads in Region 6 in terms of vaccination accomplishment.
“With the help of our City Health Office, the hospitals and doctors, there is no reason to fail,” Suba-an stressed.
The regional director looks forward to seeing the “confidence of healthcare providers back” once herd immunity is achieved./PN
