CAGAYAN de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy has again urged residents to complete their vaccine doses and booster shots to ensure protection against severe COVID infection amid the emergence of new variants and subvariants.
The mayor is emphasizing the importance of third booster vaccinations for senior citizens and healthcare workers.
This is crucial to protect against severe COVID infections, especially with the emergence of new variants.
The effectiveness of vaccines against these new strains is encouraging. Getting both the primary vaccination and the booster significantly reduces the likelihood of severe COVID.
As a result, the city government of Cagayan de Oro is prioritizing vulnerable groups by implementing a booster protocol.
Mayor Uy, in his address on July 3, highlighted the significance of the third booster bivalent vaccine for healthcare workers and senior citizens in Cagayan de Oro.
He even urged eligible individuals to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their protection against COVID-19.
The city began administering the third booster vaccination on June 29, providing 3,680 doses exclusively for residents of the city.
Dr. Ina Grace Chiu, the National Immunization Program Medical Coordinator, clarified that the third booster shot is available to healthcare workers and senior citizens who received their second booster shot at least four months ago.
This additional dose adds an extra layer of defense, particularly for those at higher risk or in close contact with potential COVID-19 cases.
The selected bivalent vaccine targets both the original strain of the virus and the Omicron sub-variants, offering improved efficacy.
This comprehensive approach aims to provide broader protection against the evolving nature of the virus and its potential variants.
Mayor Uy's encouragement for healthcare workers and senior citizens to receive the third booster bivalent vaccine aligns to minimize risks associated with the ongoing pandemic.
To facilitate the administration of the third booster shot, the City Health Office operates from Monday to Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
This convenient schedule allows eligible individuals to receive the vaccine without disrupting their regular routines.
Mayor Uy's call to action reflects his commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of the residents of Cagayan de Oro.
By promoting the third booster bivalent vaccine among healthcare workers and senior citizens, Uy said the city aims to strengthen its collective defense against the ongoing threat of COVID-19.
This proactive approach contributes to creating a safer and healthier local community while supporting global efforts to combat the pandemic, according to Uy.
