THE local government of Masantol is laying out all necessary measures for the expected rollout of vaccines for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the town.
The local Covid-19 Vaccination Operations Team chaired by Mayor Danilo Guintu and composed of health workers, the disaster response group, and local police and firemen convened on March 10 to discuss the process of vaccination, from the transportation of vaccines up to the monitoring of recipients for any adverse affects.
Department of Health representative Rolelai Capulong said five teams are tasked for every step in the rollout of the vaccines, which is expected to be conducted within this month for healthcare workers and some frontliners, and by second quarter of this year for the individuals on top priority under mass vaccination.
The teams will be responsible for the planning, campaign management and other technical matters for the vaccine’s arrival; the proper implementation of cold chain and other logistical concerns; and clear coordination between recipients and vaccinators.
Screening of recipients and the safety of vaccines that will be administered, as well as positioning of response team in case of emergency, while active advocacy and information dissemination on the need for and safety of vaccines must be conducted prior, during and after the mass vaccination, said Capulong.
Capulong said around 250 individuals can be vaccinated each day with a priority for healthcare workers, senior citizens and local officials.
Guintu, meanwhile, assured that the local government will exhaust all efforts to ensure the secured arrival in town and safety inoculation of the vaccines to Masantoleños.
He also volunteered himself as the first recipient of the vaccine in Masantol as a way of assuring his townsfolk of the safety of the vaccines.
“Vaccines are our only hope in returning to our mask-free lives, and also revive our economy. I understand the fear but I hope you can trust us,” he said.
