MANILA – At least 44 individuals have received Moderna vaccines during the soft launch of another Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Bakuna Center at SM Olongapo Downtown, Olongapo, Zambales on July 8.
The PRC Olongapo Chapter partnered with SM to convert the cinema inside SM Olongapo Downtown into a Bakuna Center.
Aside from the Red Cross staff and volunteers, there were also observers from Olongapo City Health Office during the dry run.
“The dry run last Thursday was indeed a success, we opened the Bakuna Center at 1 pm, allowing only 10 people at a time. Also, we practiced social distancing by keeping everyone 2 seats apart from one another," PRC Olongapo Chapter Administrator Vilma Feji said.
Chairman and CEO, Senator Richard Gordon said “the Red Cross aims to establish more Bakuna Centers around the country as we stand to provide hope for the most vulnerable especially in this time of the pandemic."
PRC Olongapo Chapter Administrator Vilma Feji, PRC Clinical Services Coordinator Noel Bernardo, and PRC Health Services Representatives Ellen Grace Ledesma and Samantha Narvaez also witnessed the dry run.
Right now, the PRC Bakuna Center in SM Olongapo Downtown is waiting for its CBCR (Covid-19 Bakuna Center Registry) number before it can open to the public. Once it opens, the local government unit of Olongapo City and PRC National Headquarters will be providing the vaccines.
Best protection
Meanwhile, the PRC urged the public to get vaccinated and get what is available after getting reports of unvaccinated people getting severe to moderate symptoms because of Covid-19.
Most of the confirmed cases were waiting for a specific vaccine brand.
The PRC emphasized the need for vaccination to prevent serious complications brought about by the virus.
Gordon urged the public to get the vaccine available as soon as possible.
“The best protection against COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. All vaccines work,” he added.
The PRC continues to operate the isolation facilities and emergency field hospitals to combat Covid-19. Compared to the last months, admission in the isolation facilities has decreased.
Gordon reminded the public though not to let their guard down as this invisible enemy is still dangerous to everyone’s health.
“Even vaccinated, you are still a possible carrier of Covid-19 and might affect the unvaccinated. Everyone should still wear a face mask, wash their hands, and maintain social distancing to slow the spread of the virus,” he said.
The PRC now has nine Bakuna Centers and has already deployed its mobile vaccination buses to inoculate people even in far-flung areas. (PR)
