Negros Occidental draws curtain for vaccination program with 12 doctors getting injected
BACOLOD CITY—The Negros Occidental provincial government on Thursday (March 11) drew the curtains for the vaccination of health workers in the province’s private hospitals with 12 doctors initially getting injected in a ceremonial event. “This is a good day for everyone because this is the start of the vaccination program that will spell the end of this pandemic,” said Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, provincial consultant on economic affairs. Negros Occidental, he said, hopes to complete the vaccination of all its health workers by the end of March and reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Vivencio “Vince” Dizon, deputy chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, said the aim is to complete the vaccination of health workers nationwide by April or May. This will be followed by the vaccination of senior citizens and those with underlying conditions that make COVID-19 deadlier. Everyone else would be next by the second half of 2021. The vaccination of all medical professionals in 11 private hospitals will start on Saturday (March 13). “Today, the stars of the show are the health care workers,” said Dizon. “You are the true heroes in this battle,” he said.
