‘PINASLAKAS’ LAUNCH. Department of Health Ilocos Region director Dr. Paula Paz Sydiongco (left) leads the ceremonial vaccination for the launch of PinasLakas booster vaccination program in Bayambang town, Pangasinan on July 26, 2022. The DOH targets to immunize some 1.7 million residents in the region. (Photo by Hilda Austria)
BAYAMBANG, Pangasinan – The Department of Health Center for Health Development in the Ilocos Region (DOH-CHD-1) is targeting to inoculate booster shots against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) to some 1.7 million residents until October 8 this year.
In a press conference during the launch of DOH “PinasLakas” booster vaccination campaign on Tuesday, DOH-CHD-1 director Dr. Paula Paz Sydiongco said this is to complement President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive on mass vaccination against Covid-19 for his 100 days in office.
"It will target 90 percent vaccination of senior citizens to complete (the) first and second dose and provide booster shots to 50 percent of the 12 years old and above population," she said.
There are 87,997 senior citizens in the region who have yet to be vaccinated.
Sydiongco urged residents to get their booster shots to ensure protection against Covid-19.
"The cases are increasing so we need to get at least one booster shot for added protection against the virus," she said.
Sydiongco said there are benefits to achieving the target number of population to get booster shots.
"If we have (a) good number of those who got their booster shots, there is the possibility of removing the face mask but if we cannot achieve the number then, we will continue with the wearing of face masks and (adherence to) other health protocols. If the target population got their booster shots, we can all live and work freely and worry less,” she added.
To attain the target, DOH-CHD-1 regional program manager John Paul Aquino said they would improve the accessibility of vaccination centers.
"We will bring the vaccine to the terminals, plaza, worship areas, workplaces, and even schools to reach the target population," he said.
Aquino said they are preparing the guidelines to provide incentives or recognition to local government units that will reach or surpass their targets.
He also assured there is enough supply of vaccines in the region.
As of July 25, some 3.7 million residents were fully immunized while 910,413 residents aged 12 years old and above received their booster shots. (PNA)
