BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The vaccine rollout against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Negros Occidental is picking up fast, according to Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson.
Citing data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO), Lacson said they have already used over 90 percent of Sinovac Biotech’s CoronaVac and 43 percent of the British-made AstraZeneca vaccine.
Lacson and other local chief executives in Western Visayas recently met with vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and they were assured of prioritization in the vaccination program.
“Maybe we can expect more doses for Negros,” Lacson said.
The governor said they are still unable to use the AstraZeneca vaccines on individuals aged 59 years and below. However, they will continue to rollout vaccines currently in their possession.
Meanwhile, as some senior citizens are “still hesitant” to be vaccinated, Lacson mulls moving to the A4 priority group (essential workers) in the vaccination rollout.
He said he received information that Health secretary Francisco Duque had authorized the inoculation of the A4 group.
This could increase Negros Occidental’s rate of vaccination in the coming days.
Last week, the provincial government started vaccinating its capitol employees against COVID-19.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said vaccination is important for a swift and efficient delivery of basic services to the public./PN
