Cebu City aims to exceed targets in 3rd national vax drive

CEBU, Philippines —  Today, February 10, is the third National Vaccination Day (NVD) against COVID-19 and Cebu City is determined to make up for opportunity lost in the vaccination drive when it was hit by Typhoon Odette in December.

The national government earlier recognized the city for having the most number of residents inoculated during the first NVD in 2021.

It’s mayor, Michael Rama, is a staunch advocate of vaccination, saying it is the way to liberation from the COVID pandemic. The city, however, missed the second NVD when Odette hit.

While the City Health Department and its Vaccination Operations Center resumed vaccination days after the typhoon hit on December 16, rollout was rough as residents were still grappling from the effects of the typhoon, including the absence of basic necessities such as electricity and water.

 Based on data from the Visayas Vaccination Operations Center, Cebu City has already given the first dose to 702,402 residents, including the single-dose Jansen. At least 18,033 have received the second dose.

On top of this, over 26,000 between 12 to 17 years old have received the first dose, said CHD Officer-in-charge, Dr. Jeffrey Ibones.

 Based on the National Vaccination Operation Center’s guide, Cebu City is targeted to achieve 58,175 total doses, although it is expecting close to 73,000 individuals to show up today or tomorrow.

Most of the targets in Cebu City are residents who are due for booster shots with over 50,000 expected to get the shots. At least 6,853 are expected to get the first dose. Ibones said they are hoping to exceed the targets in the third NVD.

The city has prepared close to 40 vaccination sites for a three-day rollout. Two sites will be dedicated to minors between 12 to 17 years old – the Cebu City Sports Center and SM Seaside City for the first and second dose, and Robinsons Cybergate solely for the first dose.

Regular vaccination sites will be utilized for the NVD, including Ayala Center Cebu, NOAH Complex, Robinson’s Galleria, SM City, SM Seaside City, UC Banilad, and Waterfront Hotel.

The rest of the vaccination sites are pop-up sites at the gyms of Barangays Kasambagan, Quiot, Sambag 1, Lahug, Sudlon 1, Lorega, Pahina Central, Pasil, Don Bosco in Punta Princesa, Labangon Bliss Elementary School, Talamban Elementary School, San Nicolas Parish gym, Tisa and Shopwise.

All vaccination sites for those above 18 years old can administer first and second doses, and booster shots. Walk-ins are allowed, but online registration via PabakunaTa.com (https://vims.cebucity.gov.ph/page/portal) is highly encouraged. — JMO (FREEMAN)