CHED starts vaccination of college students in Central Visayas

CEBU, Philippines —  The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in Central Visayas began a roll out of COVID-19 vaccinations for college students in Cebu City yesterday.

CHED Regional Director Maximo Aljibe said this is for the safety of students as more college programs are returning to face-to-face classes.

He said 16 college programs have already been given permission to conduct limited face-to-face classes.

In February of this year, limited face-to-face classes were allowed in medicine, nursing, medical technology, physical therapy, midwifery, and public health programs.

In August, more were added including Speech-Language Pathology, Clinical Dentistry, Respiratory Therapy, Experiential Pharmacy, and Radiology Technology.

The Marine Engineering, Marine Transportation, Engineering Program and other technology programs, Hospitality Hotel and Restaurant Management, and Travel and Tourism Management programs have also been approved to conduct limited face-to-face classes.

Across Region VII, there are 308,000 college students and only 61,000 have so far been vaccinated.

Aljibe, however, clarified that whether the student is vaccinated or not, they will still be accepted by the school if they enroll.

The ceremonial vaccination was conducted at the University of Cebu Senior High School building-Banilad campus in collaboration with the Department of Health Central Visayas and Cebu City Health Department.

Dr. Jeffrey Ibones, officer-in-charge of the Cebu City Health Department, said college students can get vaccinated at any vaccination sites as long as they register through the city’s vaccination portal.

Aside from vax registration, students are also asked to show their IDs to the school where they are in, or their study load as proof that they are a student.

Cebu City’s Vaccination Operations Center now allows walk-ins. — Decemay Padilla, KQD (FREEMAN)