GOVPH

Top Management, section heads receive first of two vaccine shots against COVID19

 Quezon Provincial Capitol, Lucena City—As part of the implementation of the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan (NDVP) to attain mass immunization versus COVID-19, the AstraZeneca vaccines were administered to the Top Management (TM) and section heads on Thursday, May 27.

Said vaccination was in line with the Department of Health’s (DOH) ResbakUna: Kasangga ng Bida Program through the initiative of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of the Quezon Provincial Government. It was realized in collaboration with Dr. Grace Santiago through Ms. Giselle Zoleta Alpay, contact person. Ma. Teresita M. Abella, nurse-in-charge of the School Health Section, coordinated with the IPHO regarding the scheduling and masterlisting.

Two of the Division’s health care workers (HCWs) were vaccinated last March 23, 2021, while 10 HCWs were given their first dose in April 27 and later completed their doses of Sinovac. Another 16 slots for the administration of the first dose were then given in May 27, prioritizing the TM, section heads, and other personnel with co-morbidities. All vaccinees expressed prior approval on the immunization through the informed consent forms, and relevant validation and monitoring procedures.

This activity was conducted in accordance with the NDVP prioritization framework towards achieving 70% “herd immunity”. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines “herd immunity” (or “population immunity”) as the indirect protection from an infectious disease that happens when a population is immune either through vaccination or immunity developed through previous infection. WHO supports achieving “herd immunity” through vaccination, not by allowing a disease to spread through any segment of the population, as this would result in unnecessary cases and deaths (WHO, December 2020).

It can be noted that through the issuance of DepEd Task Force COVID-19 (DTFC) Memorandum No. 372, s. 2021 to provide for appropriate guidance among its personnel, all concerned employees have been guided on the three (3) levels of participation of DepEd personnel: 1) as recipients or beneficiaries; 2) as members of the different task group on vaccination; and 3) as champions for advocacy.

Besides provided information, education and campaign (IEC) materials on said department-wide immunization project, the vaccination of the TM and section heads has proven the Division’s commitment and support to DepEd’s Vacc2School: Ligtas na Bakuna, Para sa Balik Eskwela campaign. The second dose will be administered soon, and more Division Office personnel are expected to be included in the upcoming slots for vaccination.

*For more information on COVID-19 vaccination and frequently-asked-questions (FAQs), please access the repository of campaign resources through: deped.gov.ph/vacc2school. Magbasa, tumulong at makilahok sa Vacc2School: Ligtas na Bakuna, Para sa Balik Eskwela campaign!, Kata mga Quezonian! Magapabakuna!