CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–The Department of Health (DOH) urged those who have not taken their primary series or booster shots of COVID-19 to take part of the “Bakunahang Bayan,” a special vaccination series vs COVID-19 to increase the wall of immunity.
Lawyer Frances Mae Cherryl K. Ontalan, assistant secretary of Health, shared in Konsultayo, a media and health forum that the goal is to strengthen the immunity of Filipinos, especially against COVID-19 in the transition to the new normal.
“We want to increase the wall of immunity. Kasi at the end of the day, kailangan po natin palakasin pa ang ating immunity lalong-lalo na sa COVID 19 para makapag sama-sama na po ang ating pamilya maging confident po tayo sa pag open po nang ating schools, ng ating economy sa pagpasok po natin sa ating trabaho,” she said.
(We want to increase the wall of immunity. Because at the end of the day, we need to strengthen our immunity, especially against COVID-19 so that our family can be together so that we can be confident in the opening of our schools, of our economy when entering our workplace)
As to the latest figures in the region, Dr. Ellenieta Herudinda Maria Victoria N. Gamolo, assistant regional director of DOH-10, said the target for full immunization for senior citizens is at 90%.
As of September 27, from a validated report submitted to DOH central office, Region 10 is at 74.14%. Meanwhile, of all the local government units (LGUs), only Iligan City and Camiguin have reached 90%.
For the first booster to all population, 12 years old and above, the target initially was 50% but since there is difficulty in achieving the target not just in the region but others as well, Gamolo shared it has lowered to 30%. But they are still hoping that they will reach 50% by the end of the year.
“Karon, kay 22.8% pa man kita. So medyo layo, wa man gani kita ka tunga sa 50. But then naa man gyud LGUs nga nag-una, ug atong i-recognize sila, ang nakaabot sa 30% and above, as of September 27, Camiguin at 40% and then Misamis Occidental 35.24%, Iligan City 30.68%, CDO 35.64%.”
(Now, we are still at 22.8%. We have not reached even half of the original 50 target. But then we have LGUs that are leading, and we will recognize these LGUs who have reached 30% and above as of September 27, Camiguin at 40% and then Misamis Occidental 35.24%, Iligan City 30.68%, CDO 35.64%.)
Gamolo emphasized the need for full and boosted vaccination to prepare for gatherings and festivities come Christmas time. (JMOR/PIA-10)
