THE Bacolod City Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) had temporarily suspended the Covid-19 vaccination in malls on January 3 due to lack of vaccinators, its official said Thursday, January 5.

Dr. Anna Maria Laarni Pornan, head of Bacolod IATF, said the Covid-19 vaccination in SM City Mall and Ayala Malls Capitol Central were stopped for the meantime because the vaccinators are still waiting for their appointment from the city government.

“For now, the Covid-19 vaccination will be held at the City Health Office (CHO) and various barangays,” she said.

She said the Covid-19 vaccination in villages will be handled by the Barangay Health Workers (BHWs).

The Covid-19 vaccination sites in barangays include Alijis, Tangub, Granada, Estefania, Alangilan, Taculing, Handumanan, Punta Taytay, Singcang-Airport, Banago, Mandalagan, Vista Alegre, Bata, Mandalagan, Cabug, Villamonte, and Pahanocoy.

Pornan said the CHO and barangay vaccination sites will be using Pfizer vaccines for minors and adults.

“Once we have the appointment of our vaccinators, we will resume the vaccination program in malls,” she said.

Of the 20 job order workers assigned as Covid-19 encoders, only five of them were given an appointment to continue their work in the city, she said.

Meanwhile, Pornan said they will hold a meeting Friday, January 6, with the Covid-19 Vaccination Council to discuss the new Covid variant spreading in China.

“So far, this month, Bacolod City recorded new single-digit Covid-19 cases,” she said.

Pornan urged Bacolodnons to still observe the Covid-19 health protocols like the wearing of face mask to prevent the spread of the virus.*