Booster vax drive vs COVID-19 launched in Ilocos

A resident of Bayambang town, Pangasinan province receives a booster shot against COVID-19 on July 26 as the Department of Health launched a region-wide booster vaccination drive. (Photo by Yolanda Sotelo)

BAYAMBANG Pangasinan—The Department of Health (DOH) in Ilocos launched on Tuesday, July 26, its booster vaccination drive against COVID-19, targeting around 1.7 million eligible individuals.

Dr. Paula Paz Sydiongco, DOH regional director, said the program, dubbed “Sa Booster Pinas Lakas,” complements President Marcos’ directive on mass vaccination for his first 100 days.

Mr. Marcos said he wanted 90 percent of the country’s senior citizens to complete their first and second doses and provide booster shots to 50 percent of those 12 years old and above.

To achieve the target, health officials will hold a vaccination drive in communities, malls, terminals, plazas, schools, and churches.

A house-to-house vaccination campaign is also being prepared to ensure that everyone would receive the protection they need, Sydiongco said during the program launch.

“If the coverage is okay, we can already remove the face masks and do away with physical distancing,” she said.

Bayambang Mayor Mayor Niña Jose-Quiambao thanked the DOH for holding the activity in the town where the first cases of COVID-19 in Pangasinan were recorded.

As of Monday, the Ilocos region has fully vaccinated 3,753,201, or 86.91 percent of its population, while 911,269, or 22 percent, received their first booster dose. INQ

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