IF THE 1.3 million target doses would be achieved by Central Visayas in the three-day nationwide Covid-19 vaccination drive from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, 2021, the number would help the region reach 50 percent of its target population to be fully vaccinated and 70 percent to be vaccinated with at least first dose.

This was the estimates given to SunStar Cebu by Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, spokesperson of the Visayas Covid-19 Vaccination Operations Center (VVOC), on Sunday, Nov. 28.

Latest figures from the VVOC show that 2,002,807 have been fully vaccinated in Central Visayas, while 2,556,622 individuals have received the first dose, totaling to 4,560,640, including the pediatric population.

According to the statistics provided by the National Economic and Development Authority, Central Visayas has 5,176,623 eligible population for inoculation, aged 18 and above, Loreche said in a previous report last September.

Central Visayas has 929,826 minors aged 12 to 17, with or without comorbidities, according to the projected 2021 population by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

All in all, the region has a total of 6,106,449 eligible population for vaccination.

Target

Central Visayas has a daily target of 442,826 doses in the three-day nationwide vaccination drive.

The region has to vaccinate 1,328,478 individuals to inch closer to herd immunity.

Loreche said the local government units in Cebu and other provinces in Central Visayas are “somewhat prepared” for the start of the three-day National Covid-19 Vaccination Days Monday, Nov. 29.

“Our vaccine supplies are good. As to percentage completion for the preparations, I believe we are not yet in the 50 percent. Our LGUs are cooperative and committed,” she said.

Loreche said they don’t expect that there will be no hitches Monday.

Syringe shortage

As the national government reported the lowering of the target doses to 9 million from 15 million due to syringe shortage, Loreche said Central Visayas’ supply officer-in-charge had assured her that the region has the needed numbers.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation No. 1253 declaring the dates as Bayanihan, Bakunahan National Covid-19 Vaccination Days last Wednesday, Nov. 24.

The projected vaccination teams will be at 2,952 while healthcare workers needed for the jabbing will be 8,857 with projected 984 vaccination sites.