The Department of Health (DOH) in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) is pushing for wider public participation in the upcoming national vaccination days for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) from November to December 1.
In an advisory, the agency said Monday it is closely working with the rural health units (RHUs) to administer the vaccines to the remaining population, especially those who are still hesitant to get inoculated.
DOH-12 said it is important to sustain the vaccination information drive in all localities in the region’s four provinces and four cities to further address vaccine hesitancy.
Region 12 covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato, and Sarangani; and the cities of Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal, and General Santos.
Arjohn Gangoso, DOH-12 health education and promotion officer, said there are enough vaccine supplies available in the region and these were already delivered to the RHUs.
“Nevertheless, there are individuals who still have fears about getting vaccinated due to misinformation,” he said.
Data released by DOH-12 showed that as of November 17, some 851,751 individuals or 24.4 percent of the 3,490,115 target population have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, while 1,070,312 or 30.67 percent are waiting for their second doses.
A total of 1,568,052 individuals or 44.93 percent are still unvaccinated and being targeted for the continuing mass vaccination activities.
Since last month, the RHUs have opened vaccination for the rest of the adult population or those 18 years old, and are accepting walk-in recipients.
Early this month, they expanded the inoculation to those aged 12 to 17 years old or under the pediatric group.
For the three-day national vaccination days, Gangoso said they continue to enlist volunteers who will serve as health screeners, vaccinators, registration personnel, encoders, post-vaccination monitors, data consolidators, and health educators.
Those without medical or health-related backgrounds may volunteer for the activity as health educators, personnel in registration areas, and encoders.
He urged unvaccinated residents to register with their local government units or RHUs for the upcoming vaccination drive.
Source: Philippines News Agency
