This is How Bacolod Prepares For the Arrival of COVID-19 Vaccines

Amid the pandemic, the City of Smiles continues to be optimistic as its local government prepares for the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines in Bacolod. As one of the preparations, a simulation of the inoculation process was held by the local government to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the city’s vaccination program [1]. Read on for more details on how preparations for the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in Bacolod are being conducted.

During the first government dry run for the mass COVID-19 vaccination, about 50 volunteers were injected with tetanus toxoid vaccines at the Barangay Villamonte gym last February 5 [2]. In the said event, 80 to 90 personnel were present to witness and carry out the vaccination program. As for the minutes for each person to be vaccinated, it only took eight to ten minutes—quicker than what the Department of Health (DOH) predicted.

The city also allotted a budget of PhP300 million for the purchase of 650,000 COVID-19 vaccines. However, the government faces a challenge: encouraging more Bacolodnons to be vaccinated once the doses arrive.

According to Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Task Force Deputy for Medical Data and Analysis Dr. Chris Sorongon, there is a necessity to educate residents about the vaccination program in Bacolod and its importance. In line with this, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia asked for the assistance of the Negros Press Club (NPC) and Kapisanan ng Mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) to help disseminate campaigns for the city’s COVID-19 vaccination program.

As for the brand of the vaccines, the city managed to reserve vaccines from AstraZeneca, and these are expected to arrive in July. Bacolod City is one of the top five cities in the Philippines with the biggest vaccine orders [3].

Go to Yoorekka for more COVID-19 updates in Bacolod.