Massive COVID-19 vaccination in Koronadal begins
The historic massive COVID-19 vaccination in the city of Koronadal finally begins after a total of 1,360 Sinovac shots were delivered by the national government through the Department of Health (DOH) Region XII.
The said vaccines were allocated to three (3) COVID-19 referral hospitals in the city that include South Cotabato Provincial Hospital (SCPH) with 667 vials, Allah Valley Medical Hospital (AVMH)-335, and Dr. Arthuro P. Pingoy Medical Center (DAPPMC)-358 inoculations.
The distribution is based on the DOH guidelines where all sanatoriums catering to COVID-19 patients are given priority in eligible group A.
The three (3) infirmaries had simultaneously started their immunization on March 8 and will end within seven days or earlier of the set deadline, depending on how fast the turn-out of the vaccinees. It also has its vaccine target based on the number of their respective medical front-liners who wanted to avail it.
SCPH Chief Nurse Nancy Sintin, one (1) of the assigned responders said that they intended to vaccinate 100 health care providers per day however many of the recipients are on a “wait and see” status. AVMH on the other hand aimed to jabs 50 individuals each day while DAPPMC has a goal to immunize 70 recipients in a day.
To encourage other receivers to take a booster, Dr. Bryan Non, a resident pediatrician of SCPH, Dr. Romeo Teves-AVMH Medical Director, and a Pulmonologist Dr. Virginia Sulit were the three fearless doctors who get the very first shot during the first day of immunization.
The vaccines that arrived were intended only for the first dose while the immediate arrival for the second dose are also expected and will be given to the same recipients after 28 days. Those who received the vaccines will be monitored for a year to observe their health status.
While waiting for the vaccine for the next qualified recipients, Health Education and Promotion Officer (HEPO) Glenn Mar Doctolero of City Health Office (CHO) said that they are doing everything to strengthen the campaign for vaccination. They are already coordinating with the Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) of 27 barangays to distribute flyers that contain the common ask questions with answers regarding the vaccines.