BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – – The Department of Health – Cordillera reiterates to the adult population especially the senior citizens the importance of having their COVID – 19 booster shots given that variants of concerns are still posing risks.
DOH – CAR Assistant Regional Director Dr. Amelita Pangilinan, in a recent Kapihan media forum, explained that the protection given by the vaccines diminishes over time that is why booster shots are important to ensure protection especially for the immune-compromised and the senior citizens.
The booster shot or third dose is allowed for 18 years old and above at least three months after completing their primary series (first and second doses) of vaccines. Recently, the administration of a second booster shot or fourth dose is also already allowed for senior citizens and health workers after at least four months from their booster shot.
Pangilinan reminds the public anew on the importance of being fully vaccinated and for the immuno-compromised, senior citizens and health workers to have their booster shots, as the threat of COVID-19 is not yet over.
The DOH – CAR data shows that as of May 31, out of the 1,173,848 target eligible population of 18 years old and above, 970,388 or 82.67% already completed their primary series of vaccines while 304,503 or 25.94% are already vaccinated with booster or additional doses.
For the senior citizens or Priority A2 group, out of the 135,096 target eligible population, 121,884 or 90.22% are fully vaccinated with 50,318 or 41.25% already with booster or additional doses.
Pangilinan reiterated the health department’s call to senior citizens to get vaccinated and get their booster shot as they belong to the group that is more vulnerable to COVID – 19.
Meantime, Pangilinan also encourages parents to bring their 5 to 11 years old children for vaccination so that they will have protection especially with the face – to –face classes.
“Face to face classes are safer and much more fun if you are fully vaccinated. You are not only protecting yourself, but also your families, your beloved fellow students and your teachers”, she stressed.
Vaccination of 5 to 11 years old is still low, as out of the target 249,754, only 61,952 or 24.81% are fully vaccinated as of May 31 DOH – CAR data.
Vaccination accomplishments are much higher for the 12 – 17 children, wherein out of the 207,044 target, 161,917 or 78.20% or are fully vaccinated.
Generally, the Cordillera has already 1,194,257 fully vaccinated eligible population (5 years old and above) which is 80.67% of the target 1,481,793 eligible individuals which is equivalent to 80.67% of the 2022 Projected Population of the Philippine Statistics Authority. **JDP/CCD-PIA CAR
