15K Negrenses vaccinated on Thursday alone

February 12, 2022

In Barangay Isio, Cauayan during Thursday’s vaccination by the Provincial Health Office that coincided with the distribution of more relief assistance to typhoon victims by the Negros Occidental Provincial Government headed by Gov. Bong Lacson with Mayor John Rey Tabujara and Vice Mayor Jing Soriano.* **(APT photo)**

At least 15,370 residents of Negros Occidental were vaccinated during Day 1 of the third coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) National Vaccination Days (NVD) on Thursday.

Data released by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) yesterday morning showed the number includes 14,808 who availed of the vaccines in all 31 cities and municipalities and 562 in the seven provincial government-owned district hospitals.

The data, however, did not yet include whether the vaccinees got first, second or booster shots.

Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, provincial health officer, said almost 60 percent of the province’s target population has been fully vaccinated while those who have availed of the first dose are now at 70 percent.

The 60 percent is equivalent to more than 1.1 million individuals while the 70 percent is about 1.269 million Negrenses.

The province’s target population for vaccination is 1.825 million, which is 70 percent of its 2.607 million total population.

“We’re hoping we will have more coverage during the NVD. We are praying that Negros Occidental’s vaccination rate will increase. If we fast track the second doses, our output for fully vaccinated will already increase,” Tumimbang said.

He added the PHO has deployed vaccination teams in the cities of Bago, Kabankalan and San Carlos to augment personnel during the two-day NVD.

Tumimbang said they have also set up vaccination areas in Typhoon Odette-affected villages in Cauayan town that were visited by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Thursday.

“We bring service to those who want to avail of the vaccines. There are still takers and we vaccinate them whether for booster shot or first dose. In all five sites being visited, we deployed vaccinators,” he said.* (Nanette Guadalquiver)