NEGROS Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson urged everyone not to hesitate in getting the Covid-19 vaccines.
He reiterated his appeal on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, to those who are still doubting the efficacy or safety of the vaccines that they are completely missing out on the opportunity to protect themselves.
"I'm calling on all of you, don't hesitate, all experts say that the vaccines are part of the bigger solution in solving this pandemic," Lacson added.
Lacson on Wednesday ordered the Provincial Health Office (PHO) to update the list of frontliners who are willing to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
This came after reports surfaced that only 16 percent of the 22,000 frontliners who have manifested to be vaccinated have received their second doses.
According to Lacson, within the coming days, they will start administering the second doses that will cover at least 48 percent of the frontliners listed.
Lacson said it is still not enough, as he was expecting that all frontliners in the province should have already been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and can start concentrating those under the A2 category or senior citizens.
"The report is not updated so I'll just wait for it," Lacson said.
Lacson added there are no more concerns regarding the acceptance of the vaccines, as more and more people are now expressing their interest in getting vaccinated.
He noted some have even asked him when they will be inoculated.
"For now, it’s the senior citizens and those with comorbidities [A3 category]," Lacson said.
The governor also said based on the information given to him by the Office of the Presidential Assistant to the Visayas, by July or August they should be expecting a bigger rollout as more vaccines come in.
On Tuesday, Negros Occidental received an additional 3,080 vials of AstraZeneca vaccines. The vaccines were part of the two million shipments received by the country on Saturday from the Covax facility. The vials are equivalent to 30,800 doses.
At present, Negros Occidental is still on track and is now inoculating those in the A2 category.