LA TRINIDAD, Benguet(PIA)–Residents of Benguet are encouraged to get their booster shots against the COVID-19.
Governor Melchor Diclas said that while the province already has reached its target of at least 70 percent of the population to be vaccinated against the COVID, he said there is still a need for the public to get their booster shots for protection against possible severe and critical effects of the COVID-19 and the different variants and sub-variants which are still emerging.
Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas
Diclas said that the province has already reached the target population to be vaccinated for the first and second doses set in Benguet but those who should get their first and second booster shots remain low.
The Benguet Provincial Health Office reported that as of January 23, 2023, the province has recorded 254,330 individuals or 75.40% who have been fully vaccinated or those with two doses while 65,853 individuals or 19.52% had their first booster shot.
Benguet has been given a target population of 337,301 individuals to be vaccinated.
For the senior citizens or the A2 priority group, of the 21,247 who were fully vaccinated, there are only 8,711 or 25% who received their first booster dose while only 2,000 or 3.20% received their second booster dose. There are 34,841 senior citizens who are being targeted to be vaccinated in Benguet.
For the 18-59 years old age group, of the 232,602 total target population, 190,377 individuals or 81.85% have been totally vaccinated and 55,076 or 23.68% have received their first booster shot while 7,452 or 3.20% got their second booster shot.
For the 12 to 17-year-old age group, with the target to be vaccinated of 36,388 individuals, 31,796 are fully vaccinated of which 2,066 or 5.68% received their first booster shot.
For the 5 to 11-year-old age group, there are 12,031 individuals or 28,33% who received at least on dose while 10,910 or 25.69% are fully vaccinated.
Diclas, a medical doctor, said that there is still a need for people to get their booster shots despite the almost normal situation in the province. He explained that while COVID-19 cases already has had a significant decrease in the province, completing the booster shots would still be recommended and should be received to ensure protection from the COVID-19.
In the recent data of the DOH-CAR, Benguet has 17 active cases as of January 22, 2023 and most cases are moderate cases.
The different local government units thru the municipal health offices and the different district hospitals continue to provide vaccination to the public and information education and communication campaign materials are also being distributed thru the Philippine Information Agency – Cordillera and PIA – Benguet offices.
Meanwhile, Diclas reiterated the use of facemasks in closed areas, in transportation services or in mass gatherings while the optional use of facemasks is allowed in the outdoors provided the individuals do not have flu-like symptoms. (JDP/RMC- PIA CAR)
