Mayor urges public to complete shots, boosters vs new variants

Mayor Benjamin Magalong has urged residents anew to complete their vaccine protocols to ensure protection against severe Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) symptoms amid the continued emergence of new variants and sub-variants.

“We are faced with the threat of new variants but the good news is vaccines continue to work.  If you are vaccinated and boosted, the possibility is high that your symptoms will only be mild if you contract the virus,” the mayor said.

Starting May 23, the city has opened its booster protocols to more vulnerable groups particularly senior citizens and health workers.  The recommended interval for these groups is four months after the third dose or first booster dose.  For immunocompromised individuals, the preferred interval is three months.

The city has sustained its vaccination program despite posting high vaccination rates in all target age groups. 

As of May 24, the city has fully vaccinated a total of 32,550 senior citizens out of the target population of 26,963 or 120.72 percent accomplishment.

For 18-59 age group, a total of 249,925 had been fully inoculated out of 224,818 or 11.17 percent; 12-17 age group fully vaccinated totals 36,704 out of 40,238 or 91.22 percent; and 5-11 age group fully immunized numbers 16,377 out of 46,955 or 34.88 percent accomplishment.

A total of 123,520 adults have availed of first booster shots and 926 had their second booster doses. – Aileen P. Refuerzo