File Photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Almost all of the health workers in Central Visayas already received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Doctor Van Baton, the DOH-7 spokesperson, said that as of their latest count around 91.3 percent or 120, 455 health workers were already given the vaccine against the coronavirus disease.
“We also would like to congratulate our A1 or frontline health workers who are dealing with COVID-infected individuals for reaching 91.3% coverage or 9 of every 10 A1 have been given one dose of COVID-19 vaccines,” Baton said in a text message to reporters.
The injection reduces the risk of them getting the infection. This will also help reduce the possibility of outbreaks in medical facilities and the overwhelming threat to the country’s health care system.
But Baton said that protecting the health workers is just the first step in the government’s campaign against the deadly virus.
DOH also hopes to reach as many senior citizens and persons with comordities for their protection.
“The DOH would like to see this level of accomplishment [that we have seen with the health workers] for our senior citizens and adults with comorbidities as our vaccine supply is improving,” Baton added.
As of this Saturday, DOH said that the vaccine rollout for senior citizens in the region is only 19.6 percent or a total of 107,863.
They hope to inoculate a total of 549,544 senior citizens in the four provinces in Central Visayas, who are part of the A2 priority group.
Baton said they managed to reach more individuals with comorbidities or those who are part of the A3 priority group with 79 percent or 140,769 of them already inoculated to date.
However, he expressed confidence that the inoculation for senior citizens will soon pick up as he also encourage local government units here to prioritize them in the ongoing vaccine rollout.
“As we await for additional supplies we encourage our citizens to register with their local government units and continue to practice minimum public health protocols while patiently waiting their turn to get vaccinated,” said Baton. / dcb