BY Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson confirmed yesterday that utilization of COVID-19 vaccines in the province is starting to pick-up.
Based on data by the Provincial Health Office (PHO), Lacson said they have used over 90 percent of the Chinese firm Sinovac biotech’s CoronaVac vaccines, and 43 percent of the British-made AstraZeneca vaccines.
Lacson said he and other Western Visayas local chief executives recently met with vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. and were assured Region 6 will be prioritized in the vaccination program.
“With that statement, maybe we can expect more doses to come to Negros in a regular basis,” Lacson said.
Lacson said they are still unable to use the AstraZeneca vaccines on individuals aged 59 years and below. However, they will continue to roll out vaccines currently in their possession.
Meanwhile, as some senior citizens are hesitant in getting vaccinated, Lacson said he received information that the Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque had authorized the release of vaccines to individuals under the A4 category, or frontline personnel in essential sectors.
The Governor said if Duque’s authorization is confirmed, Negros Occidental could increase its rate of inoculation in the coming days. Last week the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental started the vaccination of its Capitol employees.
Provincial Administrator, Attorney Rayfrando Diaz pointed out that vaccinating the Capitol’s employees is important in preventing the derailment of the provincial government’s delivery of basic public services./PN
