ILOILO – So far, 914 individuals in this province have received second booster shots of the vaccine against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), data as of June 1 from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) showed.
The number could be higher, according to Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, PHO chief.
Not all municipalities have submitted reports to the PHO, she explained.
The Department of Health (DOH) announced two weeks ago that the elderly and health frontliners may now avail their second booster shot against COVID-19 as recommended by the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) and after the Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization (EUA) on such.
“The second booster for our health workers and senior citizens will enhance protection given by the first booster and the primary series against all variants, including the recent Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1,” said DOH undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire.
The 914 twice-boosted individuals in this province were from the following towns:
* Ajuy (two), Alimodian (two), Anilao (one), Badiangan (two), Balasan (23), Banate (42), Barotac Nuevo (one), Barotac Viejo (30), Batad (seven), Bingawan (three), Cabatuan (46), Calinog (four), Carles (16), Passi City (four), Concepcion (seven);
* Dingle (23), Dueñas (34), Estancia (11), Lambunao (91), Leganes (47), Lemery (eight), Maasin (23), Mina (two), New Lucena (one), Oton (139), Pavia (76), Pototan (46), San Dionisio (10), San Enrique (five), San Joaquin (five), San Miguel (42), San Rafael (13), Santa Barbara (27), Sara (three), Tigbauan (66), Zarraga (66), and Iloilo PHO (16).
Seven towns have not reported yet – Guimbal, Igbaras, Janiuay, Miag-ao, Leon, Dumangas, and Tubungan.
Quiñon urged the Ilonggos to get second booster shots, particularly the immune-compromised.
“Two primary vaccine doses alone will not protect us. Ang protection nga gina-provide could only last up to six months. Amo na nga nagapang-booster kita,” said Quiñon.
Based on the DOH guidelines, Pfizer and Moderna will be given at least four months after the administration of the first booster dose for individuals belonging to Priority Group A1: Workers in Essential Health Services, and Priority Group A2: Senior Citizens.
It also stated that the administration of the second booster shot should be implemented simultaneously nationwide.
Those who wish to avail themselves of the second booster shot against the coronavirus disease were required to just present their vaccination card showing the date of the first booster dose, and any valid government issued ID.
“Everyone eligible can get the second booster jab done at the LGU vaccination sites nearest you. They are safe, effective, and free of charge,” said Undersecretary Vergeire./PN
