OPAV opens jab site for seafarers

CEBU, Philippines — A vaccination center intended for seafarers has opened Monday, August 2, at Amosup Seamen's Hospital - Cebu in Mandaue City.

“This is in response to the call of President Duterte of his Malasakit to our OFWs and seafarers. We have streamlined the vaccination for our seafarers in partnership with Mandaue City Government," said Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino in a statement

The OPAV initiated the setting up of a vaccination site for the seafarers in Cebu as part of the directive of Duterte to also make overseas Filipino workers and seafarers as priority groups in the government’s ongoing vaccination program.

Dino said that the Maritime Industry Authority and Amosup Seamen's Hospital - Cebu sought OPAV’s assistance to set up a vaccination center for seafarers.  Dino said that the center was set up after several meetings with DOH, MARINA, Amosup, and Mandaue City government.

According to Dino, the DOH-7 has allocated 3,000 doses of Moderna vaccines for 1,500 seafarers who are required to register through their local manning agency (LMA) so they could be included in the schedule for vaccination.

 Majority of the seafarers allegedly requested Western-brand vaccines because most of the international shipping companies preferred these brands.

President Duterte said in June that seafarers will be given vaccine preference as "their work requires" these brands before redeployment.

Dino encouraged all seafarers especially those who are from Cebu to avail of the said vaccination program and coordinate with their LMAs.

The LMAs will submit the list to MARINA for facilitation of schedules for vaccination. No walk-ins will be allowed to ensure observance of health protocols and also to ensure the availability of vaccines on schedules.

As of the moment, AMOSUP Hospital can accommodate 200 seafarers per day. The vaccination schedule is done on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. — FPL (FREEMAN)