The Latest Updates on Iloilo City's Vaccination Plan and Campaign

While provinces in the country anticipate the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine, Iloilo City is now ready with an operational vaccination plan. The vaccines are expected to arrive in the region by the second half of the year, and under the vaccination plan of Iloilo City, the local government prepares for another simulation exercise (SIMEX) on March 3 [1].

During the first SIMEX held last January 28, around 500 volunteers and 115 vaccinators participated in the vaccination dry-run at the Central Philippine University (CPU) in Jaro District [2]. According to Iloilo Mayor Jerry Treñas, there were challenges faced during the activity, but he assured improvements before the actual vaccine rollout. Aside from CPU, other ideal vaccination areas such as Ateneo, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, University of San Agustin, and West Visayas State University are eyed for the implementation of the vaccination plan of Iloilo City.

As for the second SIMEX, the city government plans to improve vaccination procedures, specifically the transportation of vaccines from the storage facility to the vaccination site. To achieve this, the mayor met with various sectors on how to roll out the vaccines successfully.

In addition to these efforts, an awareness campaign was launched to encourage Ilonggos to get vaccinated against the coronavirus disease [3]. Church leaders, organizations, market vendors, school principals, and transport leaders were asked by the mayor to support the said campaign.

Meanwhile, the government has already signed a multilateral agreement and is also making advance payment for the vaccines of AstraZeneca to secure the delivery of 600,000 doses.

Go to Yoorekka for more updates on the COVID-19 vaccination of Iloilo!