Lapu-Lapu first city in Central Visayas to hold vaccination dry run

CEBU, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City was the first city in Central Visayas to conduct a simulation exercise for the COVID-19 vaccination.

A recipient of a coronavirus vaccine will go through six steps based on yesterday’s dry run in Barangay Pajo. Step 1, waiting area; step 2, registration; step 3, counselling; step 4, screening; step 5, vaccination; and step 6, post-vaccination.

Department of Health-7 spokesperson Dr. Mary Jean Loreche said it was done to ensure smooth operations during vaccination.

“We did time stamping to know how long it will take for one vaccinee for the whole process and to check for any needs to improve upon,” she said.

She said the entire process will be replicated in other identified community vaccination centers.

Mayor Junard "Ahong" Chan, in a Facebook post, said the city is now ready for the first phase of COVID vaccination.

“Kini nagpasabot nga andam na ta alang sa phase 1 sa atong Covid-19 Vaccination Program diin mga frontline healthcare worker ang prayoridad,” he said.

Phase one includes vaccination of frontline health workers, aged 18 to 59. They will receive the Sinovac.

For the second phase, Chan said the priority vaccinees are drivers of public transport systems and market vendors

Persons with disabilities and indigents are included in the third phase of vaccination, while members of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology are in fourth phase.

Chan assured his constituents that the Sinovac’s Coronavax is “safe.”

“Wala usab kamoy angay ikabalaka kabahin sa bayrunon kay libre man kini,” he added.

While waiting for the arrival of vaccines in the city, he asked the pubic to continue observing the health protocols, such as wearing of face mask and face shield, washing of hands, and social distancing.

“Mga kaigsuonan ko, hapit na gayud nato makab-ot ang atong gipangandoy nga kadaugan batok niining makalilisang nga sakit. Padayon ko nga nag-ampo sa kahitas-an nga unta mao na ni ang kasulbaran sa atong suliran,”  the mayor said. — KQD (FREEMAN)