THE Talisay City Health Office has failed to reach its target number of beneficiaries for dengue vaccines, citing the lack of parents’ consent.
Out of its 14,000 target children ages nine to 14 years old, only some 5,000 of them, or about 36 percent, were able to avail themselves of the vaccine.
The low turnout of the campaign was traced to the fact that most of the children were not accompanied by their parents or their guardian when they went to receive the vaccines.
The City Health Office requires consent from the parent or guardian before the vaccine is administered.
Meanwhile, the Talisay City Health Office reported that dengue cases in the city has decreased compared to last year’s incidents.
Dr. Lino S. Alanzado, Talisay City Health officer, attributed the decrease in dengue cases to the mobilization of the Dengue Task Force and the support of the residents who have been helping in keeping their barangays clean. From January to November this year, the city health office recorded 442 dengue cases, which is fewer by 67 cases compared to last year’s 509 cases. (Aubrey Rose J. Secuya, USJ-R Intern)