BAGUIO CITY – – The National Task Force against COVID – 19 enjoins parents to have their children vaccinated and for fully vaccinated adults to get their booster shots as the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic remains a threat.
NTF against COVID – 19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez said the National Vaccination and Deployment Program is continuing. Aside from reaching out to the unvaccinated adults, priority is also given to 5 to 17 years old children and senior citizens and other priority groups for their booster shots.
Galvez shared there are around 2.3 million 5 to 11 years old, and 10 million 12 to 17 years old who are fully vaccinated in the country. He encouraged parents and guardians to bring their children for vaccination to protect them from COVID – 19.
“Napaka-importante po na ipagpatuloy po natin ang pagpapataas ng bilang na ito. Lalo na at unti-unti na ring nagbubukas ang mga paaralan, matitiyak nating ligtas ang pagbalik eskwela ng mga bata kung sila ay bakunado laban sa COVID-19. At sa patuloy na pagbubukas ng ekonomiya, mabuti pong may proteksyon ang ating mga anak”, Galvez stressed.
National Vaccination Operations Center Chairperson and Department of Health Undersecretary Dr. Myrna Cabotaje also outlined the importance of citizen and community participation for the country to reach the target of fully vaccinating at least 90 million Filipinos, which is important for the country to continue to move towards recovery without fear of getting another surge in cases.
“The only thing that we know about COVID-19 is its unpredictability – nagba-variant siya, nagpapalit siya. Meron tayong panlaban – iyung bakuna. It was a game changer and we continue even with our boosters, kasama ang mask at hugas”, Cabotaje said.
“Let us work together. As always – all of government, all of society and citizen responsibility. Kailangan katuwang natin ang mga mamamayan, para no one is left behind as we move to a better normal”, she added.
Galvez and Cabotaje were the guests of honor during the “Resbakuna Kids and Tourists” ceremonial vaccination program at SM City Baguio last April 9 that was spearheaded by the Department of Health – Cordillera, the City Health Services Office and the Mall management.
“Sa pamamagitan nitong ceremonial vaccination, nais din po nating ipakita sa mga local at banyagang turista na ang Baguio City ay Ready for Business sa kanilang pagbisita sa mga tourists destination sa inyong siyudad,” Galvez said.
Baguio is among the leading local government units in the country in terms of vaccination accomplishments. As of April 8 data of the City HSO, there are already 280,648 fully vaccinated individuals or 99.87 percent of the target eligible population of 281,000.There are also 108,507 eligible individuals with booster dose.
For the pediatric population, there are 9,273 – 5 to 11 years old and 34,583 – 12 to 17 years fully vaccinated in Baguio. **JDP/CCD-PIA CAR
