BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental officially launched the distribution of the Pfizer bivalent COVID-19 vaccines in all provincial government-run hospitals yesterday morning.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said the first to get the bivalent vaccines were the 553 qualified medical personnel yesterday, in accordance with the guidelines set by the Department of Health (DOH).
The bivalent vaccine is the third booster capable of addressing new strains of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The Provincial Health Office (PHO) currently has 2,340 doses of bivalent vaccines, but priority is given to medical personnel before it is made available to the public.
Diaz further said the initial doses provided by the DOH are limited, but if there is a need for more, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson is willing to purchase additional stocks.
The PHO also remains open to inoculate individuals who have not yet received their primary COVID-19 vaccines.
Diaz also assured there are still other vaccines available for those who wish to get vaccinated.
Latest data from the PHO showed Negros Occidental has recorded a total of 45,519 cases of COVID-19 from March 27, 2020 to July 2, 2023.
Of the total cases, 71 are still active; 43,368 recovered; and 2,079 deaths./PN
