Vaccination Cluster Representative, Dr. Zamzam Zailon, during I-Speak Forum recently said that they saw the need to conduct another mass vaccination on August 13, 20, and 27 following the success of the “Bakuna Para sa Katawhan Karong Kadayawan held last July 26-30.
Dubbed “Bakuna Saturdays” is still part of the city’s intensified campaign for prevention against COVID-19.
Zailon said that based on July 30 record, they were able to vaccinate 1,125 individuals.
“Hopefully, we will have the same numbers and everyone can have their protection against severe Covid-19 cases,” Zailon said.
The Bakuna Saturdays is in partnership with the Department of Health, USAID, and other sectors that are willing to help the city reach the national vaccination target of 100 percent coverage for senior citizens and 50 percent vaccination target.
Offered in this massive vaccination rollout are first and second doses for 5-11 years old; first, second, and, first booster dose for 12-17 years old, provided that those who will avail of the booster dose are not immunocompromised; first, second dose, first booster dose, and second booster dose for 18 years old and above.
Zailon, however, said they were advised not to give boosters to the 12-17 years old who are immunocompromised.
Based on the guidance of DOH those who are immunocompromised or those who have another disease need to get their boosters from the hospitals, he said.
“We are advising them to wait for the announcement of hospitals and that they should ask their doctor when will be the vaccination activity of the hospitals so they can get their booster shots,” he said.
Zailon said that the vaccination for 5-11 and vaccination with a booster for 12-17 is very important because children will eventually be exposed to the community with the impending full opening of classes on August 22.
The 12-17 age group of individuals who got vaccinated in November last year will need booster doses, according to Zailon.