After giving coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) booster shots to initial recipients from the A1 (medical front-liners) priority group last week, the city government here has included residents in the A2 (senior citizens) and A3 (persons with comorbidities) groups in the expanded coverage starting Monday.
Dr. Chris Sorongon, medical deputy of the Emergency Operations Center-Task Force, said booster doses for the first three priority groups are now available at the vaccination centers in two shopping malls, including the Ayala Malls Capitol Central and SM City Bacolod.
On Sunday, the Department of Health (DOH) issued a public advisory on the start of providing additional doses to these two priority groups.
Meanwhile, the provision of booster shots to medical front-liners is based on the guidelines of a separate DOH memorandum.
On November 19, some 30 dentists led by Dr. Realeza Ludovice, president of the Philippine Dental Association Inc.- Bacolod City, received third doses as added protection.
Dr. Edwin Miraflor, officer-in-charge of the City Health Office, said aside from the mall-based vaccination centers, seven hospitals are also designated to administer booster doses to the A1.1 to A1.7 group.
“We need additional dose or the booster dose to excite our immune system and to give our body a proper amount of immune response in case the Covid-19 virus will enter our system again. Vaccinees can also choose what brand they want,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mayor Evelio Leonardia encouraged those still unvaccinated to take part in the National Vaccination Days from November 29 to December 1.
“This is one way for us to achieve herd immunity and a safer Bacolod,” the mayor said.
Source: Philippines News Agency
