BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The provincial government of Negros Occidental is nearing its target of vaccinating 80 percent of its population, as its reached 71 percent, disclosed Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ernell Tumimbang yesterday.
Tumimbang however admitted difficulties in the vaccination of those in A2 category, or senior citizens, which is also being experienced by other provinces in the country.
He reported that they vaccinated only 54 percent of their targeted senior citizens, which he attributed due to lack of advocacy, as older persons and even their family members are justifying that they should no longer vaccinated, since they are not going out of their homes.
But Tumimbang said those vaccinated members of the family could infect the senior citizens, as they are going out from their homes.
Tumimbang said that they are now resorting to house-to-house visits and utilizing and giving incentives to barangay health workers who can successfully convince senior citizens to avail of vaccination.
Vaccinated senior citizens are also being rewarded with NOCHP (Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program) cards, he added.
Tumimbang also reported that they vaccinated 9,867 Negrenses during a three-day special vaccination day from April 20 to 22 but fell of their target of inoculating 38,297 persons.
He also announced that they are now administering second booster for individuals with comorbidities, as the effectivity of the first booster is reduced after three months.*