Sorsogon on track to achieve herd immunity by yearend — Escudero

Former Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Sorsogon Governor Francis “Chiz” Escudero noted that the province is on track on achieving herd immunity by the end of 2021.

“Marami kaming nabigyan ng first dose noong national vaccination days na inaasahan naming mabibigyan ng second dose bago matapos ang taon kung kaya’t mararating namin ang mahigit kumulang na 84.7 percent fully vaccinated rate para sa populasyon ng aming lalawigan na may edad 12 pataas,” senatorial aspirant Escudero said in a statement on Tuesday.

(We have administered first doses to many individuals during the national vaccination days, so we expect to give their second dose before the end of the year. We’ll reach 84.7 percent fully vaccinated individuals of our target population in the province aged 12 and above.)

The national vaccination days were held from November 29 to December 1, some areas were extended until December 3, to ramp up the country’s vaccination rate.

Herd immunity means fully vaccinating 70 percent of the target population.

Based on the initial data of the Sorsogon Provincial Information Office, 29,141 individuals got their first dose during the first day of the vaccination program. The figure is 2,343 higher than the imposed target of the Department of Health.

According to Escudero, they are receiving more vaccines since October from 20,000 to 40,000 doses a day.

“Sapat na sa ngayon ang mga bakuna ngunit minsan lang ay walang hiringgilya. Pero pinalawig din naman nila ang panahon na ibinibigay sa amin para maturok namin dahil complete set dapat iyon. Ibig sabihin dapat may syringe din silang ipinadadala,” the governor pointed out.

(The vaccines are enough for now but sometimes, there are no syringes. However, they extended the time for us to administer the vaccines since it should be a complete set. Meaning, a syringe should also be delivered.)

Further, Escudero stressed that even though they attain herd immunity, the provincial government will continue with its vaccination rollout.

“As defined by the [Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases] and the [World Health Organization] na (the) 70 percent herd immunity, makakamit natin iyon (we will reach that). Pero hindi kami titigil dun (But, we will not stop there),” the governor said.

“Magpapatuloy kami na magbigay ng bakuna hanggang doon sa pwede at gusto at ipagpapatuloy pa rin ang pagbibigay ng booster shots hanggang sa susunod na taon,” he went on.

(We will continue to provide vaccines to those who want and are eligible. We will also administer booster shots until next year.)

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