La Trinidad sets priorities for Covid-19 vaccination

By Susan C. Aro

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The local government here is set for   Covid-19 vaccination deployment in the municipality starting with inoculation of health workers last March 18.
    Municipal Health Officer Antonette Agpas said preparation was different from regular vaccination programs of government.
    Meetings were held on plans for inoculation when vaccines will be available for the target population.
    The Municipal Inter-Agency Task Force identified three major vaccination fixed sites, the Benguet State University open and closed gymnasium, Benguet Sports Complex including a building of the Benguet National High School and Puguis Elementary School.
    La Trinidad Municipal Health officer Dr. Antonette Agpas presented details of the Covid 19 vaccination deployment plan of the municipality in a Kapihan sa Benguet forum on March 17, at the Benguet State University Gym. 
    Agpas urged registration of eligible population to reach their target of 60-70 percent of population which is   crucial for master listing of who will be vaccinated based on priority lists.
    At least 70 percent of the population should be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity to minimize the risk of getting infected, she said.   
    Under Priority Eligible A are frontline health workers in health facilities, senior citizens, folks with comorbidities, frontline personnel in essential sectors and poor population based on the National Health Targeting System (NHTS).
    Second in line under Priority Eligible B are teachers, social workers and government workers
    Third priority are socio-demographic groups at significantly higher risk other than senior citizens and poor population based on NHTS while fourth are overseas Filipino workers and other remaining workers.
    Agpas cited importance of master listing of eligible population for their date of scheduling and respective site where they could be administered the vaccine.
    As much as possible walk-in patients are discouraged as there are relevant information needed in the master list prior to undergoing the vaccination process 
    Mayor Romeo Salda in the forum called on those who have not registered yet to do so to be included in the vaccination master list.
    Eligible population may register either manually or online which could be accessed at the Facebook page of the municipality.
    In partnership with some agencies, master listing is ongoing at the barangay level through house-to-house, fixed site as identified in the barangay, distribution of forms to offices and establishments, and through online.
    The municipal government will allot  P27 million for the town’s vaccination deployment program including purchase of vaccines, but  the Sangguniang Bayan has yet to approve the funding under supplemental budget appropriation, according to Vice Mayor Roderick Awingan. – PIA Benguet