• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental is now on 51 percent accomplishment in the supplemental immunization activity of the Department of Health for children five years old and below, within just a period of 10 days, according to Provincial Health Office OIC Dr. Girlie Pinongan.
Pinongan disclosed that 113,000 children have already been vaccinated against measles, rubella and polio, which is equivalent to 51 percent of their targeted 222,590 kids in Negros Occidental, in line with the month-long Chikiting Ligtas Bakuna, Measles, Rubella campaign of DOH, which is expected to run until May 31 this year.
DOH records show that Negros Occidental ranked number one in the Chikiting Ligtas campaign, among the six provinces and two highly urbanized cities in Western Visayas.
Pinongan reported that Himamaylan City registered the highest accomplishment among 31 local government units, with 77 percent, while Kabankalan City had the lowest accomplishment.
She added that the PHO has enough vaccines for measles and rubella to be availed by LGUs, while EB Magalona, Pulupandan, Binalbagan and Kabankalan City have been identified as priority areas of vaccination of oral polio.
Regarding COVID-19 vaccines to be used for booster shots, Pinongan said they have Sinovac available for booster shots, as well as Pfizer for general population, with expiration extended to May 30 this year.
However, only few LGUs availed of it, she further said.
We have enough Sinovac, but Moderna is not available, Pinongan added.*
