Iloilo City rolls out massive COVID-19 vaccination drive

The Iloilo City government will roll out a massive Covid-19 vaccination program to urge more Ilonggos to get vaccinated.

Mayor Jerry Treñas said the city government is focusing its efforts on the massive vaccination campaign as the city awaits the arrival of the vaccines by second quarter of 2021.

Since last week, the mayor has met with the different sectors in the metro to seek support for its awareness campaign on Covid-19 vaccines.

According to the mayor, he initially met with the religious sector and members of the media in Iloilo to ask for their support.

“Last Friday, I personally met with Archbishop Jose Romeo O. Lazo para mangayo man sang suporta sa aton religious sector. Nakigkita man kita sa katapo sang media kag mga bloggers. We are going massive sa aton vaccination campaign,” he said in the Uswag Patrol program of the city government.

On Tuesday, the mayor also met with the representatives of fisherfolks, market vendors, urban poor, transport leaders school principal, and cooperatives to appeal for their support for the Covid-19 vaccination program of the city.

“I met with the different sectors in the city to inform them of the current status of our Covid-19 vaccine procurement and asked for their help to spread awareness of its importance. I appeal for support with our Covid-19 immunization so we can finally revive the economy,” he said.

The mayor emphasized that the vaccination awareness of the public is crucial as the city moves forward to the inoculation of its citizens. Hence, the public should be vigilant on sharing articles and stories online to prevent any misinformation on the vaccines.

“Importante nga may ihibalo ang publiko sa pagpabakuna. Everyone should read about the materials indi ka lang magpati sa kung ano lang to nakita mo sa Facebook and social media,” he stressed.

According to the mayor, the goal of the city is to vaccinate the majority of its residents in order to achieve herd immunity.

“Several countries have been saying na kinahanglan na ma-achieve ta ang herd immunity. Unless and until may herd immunity balik-balik na lang ta sa pandemya,” he added.

The city government has recently placed the advance payment for the purchase of 600,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines with an efficacy rate at 62-91%.

The vaccines will be free not only for city residents but also those coming from other provinces but are working in the city. (ERS)