By Glen S. Ramos
THE Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC), an apex hospital of the Department of Health – Ilocos Region started conducting an outreach program to extend the Bivalent Covid-19 Vaccination to health care workers (HCWs), particularly those in private hospitals in Pangasinan.
The Bivalent Covid-19 Vaccination Outreach Program started on August 8, 2023 at Luzon Medical Center, one of the private health facilities located in Tapuac, Dagupan City with a total of 84 HCWs given their third booster dose.
Likewise, a total of 144 HCWs were vaccinated at the Nazareth General Hospital (NGH) along Perez Boulevard also in Dagupan City on August 10, 2023.
R1MC Chief Joseph Roland O. Mejia said that the vaccination outreach program will continue up to September this year and will be visiting other health facilities including the Cuison Hospital Incorporated, Specialist Group Hospital & Trauma Center, The Medical City, Decena General Hospital and the DOH Treatment and Rehabilitation Center.
“HCWs in these health facilities are also encouraged to bring their relatives, particularly the elderly so that they can avail of the free Bivalent Covid vaccine shot to ensure their protection and strengthen their immunity against the virus,” Mejia added.
DOH has allocated a total of 356 vials or a total of 2,136 doses for the Bivalent Covid Vaccine for R1MC.
According to the COVID-19 Quickcount Bivalent Vaccination Accomplishment in Region I, as of August 11, 2023, R1MC has vaccinated a total of 784 individuals belonging to priority groups A1 (healthcare workers), and A2 (senior citizens) since the roll-out last June 2023.
Regional Paula Paz M. Sydiongco extended her grateful appreciation for the hospital’s initiative in ensuring the well-being of health care workers in private hospitals including their relatives.
“Health outreach programs serve as a bridge to nurture relationships between the public and private health sector and these strategies help build each other’s strengths and bolster their commitment to helping the elderly and vulnerable residents in the community and most importantly, achieve equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines.”
“Napakaimportante ng mga outreach activities because they serve to inform communities on the benefits of taking the Covid vaccine and they can help dispel rumors and misinformation regarding the vaccine,” Sydiongco added.
