Vaccine availability slows down city’s immunization

CEBU, Philippines —  Only 10 percent of the target population to achieve herd immunity in Cebu City has been vaccinated after three months into the vaccination program against COVID-19.

As of June 10, 2021, the city has only inoculated at least 72,000 individuals. It needs 700,000 to achieve herd immunity.

City Health officer-in-charge Jeffrey Ibones said that 52,000 of those vaccinated only got the initial dose while 20,000 have completed the two doses. Despite the minimal number of vaccinated individuals, Ibones said it does not mean that the city’s vaccination program is slow.

He explained that vaccine availability has been a serious challenge for them.

According to Ibones, the city is only depending on the vaccine allocation from the national government. As of yesterday, at least 1,300 doses of AstraZeneca and 20 doses of Sputnik V were left and are set to be consumed within this week.

“In fact, ang ato gani'ng second dose paspas man gani sad kaayo,” said Ibones.

Ibones, however, admitted that there are some who have preferred vaccines in mind and are waiting for their preferences to arrive before availing.

“Naay mga preferred ang mga tawo. Mao na nga di sad nato sila mabasol. Naay uban gahuwat gyud,” he said.

Ibones is urging the city residents to avail of the vaccines at hand instead of waiting for their preferred brand.

The city’s vaccination is ongoing in four sites---Robinsons Galleria, SM Seaside, University of Cebu-Banilad, and UC Alcantara.

Department of Health-7 spokesperson and chief pathologist Dr. Mary Jean Loreche said now is the best time to get vaccinated while the cases are very low. Aside from safety reasons, Loreche said, being vaccinated is surely a morale booster.

“This is the best time to be vaccinated when our cases are very low. Kay ngano man? Kay it now boost our morale nga ang atong open economy will become better pa gyud and of course, we will have a happier Christmas,” she said.

As of June 9, 2021, DOH-7 reported 564 active cases in Cebu City, 147 in Lapu-Lapu City and 168 in Mandaue City. Cebu Province has 448 active cases.

Cebu City’s Emergency Operations Center, however, said the city’s active cases are already down to 368.

More Doses

Meanwhile, 210,000 additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines arrived at the Mactan Cebu International Airport last night bringing to 724,310 total doses received by DOH-7 since the national immunization program started in March.

Last month, DOH-7 also received 29,250 doses of Pfizer vaccines. Aside from Pfizer, the region also received 322,160 doses of Sinovac; 162,000 doses of AstraZeneca; and 300 doses of Sputnik V of Gamaleya. — Caecent No-ot Magsumbol, Mary Ruth R. Malinao, and Interns Jean Salgados and Loreine Kyra Lebumfacil, FPL (FREEMAN)