Vaccine in Iloilo City (Updates)

Vaccine in Iloilo City

Vaccine in Iloilo City. “Kamo lang anay una,” seems to be the unified response of Ilonggos when asked if they would be willing to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccine is expected to arrive later this year, but would there be any willing recipient? Here, we list updates about COVID-19 vaccine in Iloilo.

Iloilo City signs multilateral agreement

Last January 10, the Iloilo City Government signed a multilateral agreement for the advance purchase of AstraZeneca AZD 1222 vaccines (amounting to USD 3 million). The local government has allotted Php 200 million for the purchase.

“I just signed our multilateral agreement on behalf of the City of Iloilo for the purchase of AstraZeneca Vaccine. It was made possible because of the support from our national government thru Vaccine Czar Sec Carlito Galvez and DOH Sec. Francisco Duque. After a year since this pandemic started, this is a sign of hope that we are closer to our lives before Covid-19. Magbinuligay lang kita, kay masarangan ta guid ni! Bato Iloilo!” – excerpts from a social media post by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.

City Gov makes an advance payment

The Iloilo City Government is expected to make an advance payment for the purchase of 600,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas made the announcement via his social media page.

“Today [February 19], I signed the voucher for the advance payment of 600,000 doses for 60% of the population in Iloilo City. The President has signed a memorandum yesterday allowing advance payment over 15% of the contract price for vaccines procured by the LGU. Hopefully, with the advance payment by next week, the vaccines will be available to the Ilonggos by July of this year.” – excerpts from a social media post by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.

WHO on Oxford/AstraZeneca

The World Health Organization (WHO) releases ‘The Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine: What You Need to Know’ detailing interim recommendations from the WHO Strategic Advisory of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) for the use of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine (AZD1222). The WHO article answers the following questions. Here are some highlighted questions.

Is it safe? While this vaccine has yet to be recommended for an Emergency Use Listing by WHO, it has undergone review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and consequently meets WHO’s criteria for SAGE consideration. The EMA has thoroughly assessed the data on the quality, safety, and efficacy of the vaccine and has recommended granting conditional marketing authorization for people aged 18 and above.

The Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety, a group of experts that provides an independent and authoritative guide to the WHO on the topic of safe vaccine use, receives and assesses reports of suspected safety events of potentially international impact.

Who is the vaccine not recommended for? People with a history of severe allergic reactions to any component of the vaccine should not take it. The vaccine is not recommended for persons younger than 18 years of age pending the results of further studies. The recommended dosage is two doses given intramuscularly (0.5ml each) with an interval of 8 to 12 weeks. Additional research is needed to understand longer-term potential protection after a single dose.

How efficacious is the vaccine? The AZD1222 vaccine against COVID-19 has an efficacy of 63.09% against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Longer dose intervals within the 8 to 12 weeks range are associated with greater vaccine efficacy.

Does it work against new variants? SAGE has reviewed all available data on the performance of the vaccine in the settings of variants of concern. SAGE currently recommends the use of the AZD1222 vaccine according to the WHO Prioritization Roadmap, even if virus variants are present in a country. Countries should assess the risks and benefits taking into consideration their epidemiological situation.

Preliminary findings highlight the urgent need for a coordinated approach for surveillance and evaluation of variants and their potential impact on vaccine effectiveness. As new data become available, WHO will update recommendations accordingly. Other questions can be viewed via the World Health Organization website.

Ilonggos encouraged

The city government is urging the public to get vaccinated to boost their defenses against COVID-19. According to Treñas, the vaccine will pave way for people to return to normal life and bring back economic activities. He also stressed that the vaccine will be free. Moreover, to strengthen efforts, Treñas asked for the support of radio stations, media, and influencers for a massive information and education campaign.

The locality targets 70% of the population for the community to achieve herd immunity.

Aside from AstraZeneca, City Hall is also eyeing additional supplies from US-made Pfizer, Novavax and Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine arm Janssen. These will cover those non-residents working in the metropolis.

“We are readying vaccines that are free, safe and effective. The only way we get protected is through vaccines and stop the spread of virus through vaccination. We are meeting every sector to address every concern. It’s been a year that we are struggling and fighting against the virus. Unless we get our acts together for a seamless vaccination process, then we will be moving forward toward healing and recovery,” – excerpts from the social media post by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.

Doctors assure vaccine is safe

According to the former President of the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID), Dr. Ludovico Jurao, the vaccines have undergone clinical trials. Dr. Jurao adds that it is normal to have pain at the injection site, fever, and body pain after vaccination. He adds that the vaccine will boost defenses against the virus.

“Influenza was a pandemic and so many people died. The vaccination process went into effect and now we are just living with influenza. Granting nga may adverse reaction gid man, as far as the vaccine at the moment is concern, ang claim naton is they prevent severe diseases,”states Dr. Ludovico Jurao. Statement taken from an article entitled‘‘Trust Science’; Experts dispel myths, allay vaccine fears’ published in Panay News.

“We should trust medical experts who developed the vaccines. They devoted many years studying different infectious diseases. “We are bombarded with so many information. Let’s take this as a challenge to filter the information nga mabasa naton,” states Dr. Yvette Silubrico, Vice President of PSMID Western Visayas Chapter.

Public education on vaccine

The Iloilo City Government is exploring ways to persuade people that the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine is safe and beneficial. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas also expressed that he is willing to get vaccinated to ease the safety concerns of the majority.

As part of the local government’s information drive, Ilonggos are encouraged to watch ‘The Vax’, a collection of videos providing substantial information regarding vaccination, its types, safety, side effects, etc. Here are the videos:

How do vaccines prevent disease?
What are the different types of vaccines?
What are the possible effects of vaccination?
Why do we need to get vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine?
Why gets the vaccine first?
Are COVID-19 vaccines safe and effective?
What are the complications when given COVID-19 vaccine?

Vaccine updates as of March

Iloilo City issues Public Advisory (March 27).The Iloilo City Government, as of March 27, issues a public advisory calling all healthcare workers and members of the Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs) to register for the COVID-19 vaccination.

“Panawagan sa tanan nga healthcare workers kag BHERTS sa syudad sang Iloilo, magpa rehistro na para sa Covid-19 vaccination. Palihog makig-angut gilayon sa City Health Office sa Lunes ukon magtawag sa 333-1111 local 212 para ma rehistro kamo kag maka avail sang bakuna. Deadline is on March 31, 2021,”an announcement made by the Iloilo City Government via its social media page.

In photo: Almost a thousand vaccinated at the Central Philippine University gymnasium. Barangay officials, along with SK officials, barangay health workers, and barangay frontliners were vaccinated as part of the vaccine rollout by the Department of Health.

The Iloilo City Government, after conducting inoculation activities for medical personnel and the elderly, has opened its doors to the general population (18 years old and above). The locality calls for those 18 years old and above to register with their respective barangay or at the Iloilo Vax Registration caravan or malls once roll-out is ready. Registration requirements include the following:

Valid identification card with Iloilo City address
PhilHealth Card or ID number, if any
Existing and working email address where QR code will be sent

Vaccine updates as of April

Major malls partner with the local government. Recently, a Memorandum Agreement for SM City Iloilo as venue for the vaccine roll-out was signed by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas and SM Regional Operations Manager for Visayas 3 Girlie Liboon. The cinema lobby leading to Southpoint will be repurposed to cater to senior citizens and persons with co-morbidities on April 22 to 23.

Moreover, SM Supermalls begins its multi-mall vaccination drive as it inks partnership with various LGUs nationwide. It is also closely coordinating with more LGUs as it is slated to roll out more vaccination centers nationwide to help expedite the administration of COVID-19 vaccines.

“As part of our continuing efforts in preventing the further spread of COVID-19, SM malls all over the country can provide convenient, safe and accessible venues for the community to get vaccinated. Through our long-standing relationship with the LGUs, we remain committed in ensuring the health and safety of the public,” states SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

Here listed are Local Vaccination Operation Center hotlines.

Vaccine updates as of June

Iloilo City Vaccination Report as of June 30, 2021. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, in a social media post, revealed the status of the city in terms of its vaccination efforts. He states: “While the COVID-19 virus continues to pose threat to the Ilonggos, the Iloilo City Government had been actively conducting the immunization program to shield us from its deadly effects. We are targeting a total of 600,000 individuals both residents and nonresidents in the city. It may be a long way to go as the vaccines are yet to arrive, but we continually strive to use every drop of vaccines we have for the safety and protection of the Ilonggos. I am asking for the patience and cooperation of everyone. Malampuwasan ta guid ini.”

Vaccination report as of June 30, 2021: Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, in a social media post, reveals vaccination report as of June 30th and issues this statement: “To protect our constituents, the Iloilo City Government had been eyeing herd immunity from the deadly virus so we can move forward. As of June 30, 18.13% of the 450,000 individuals were inoculated by COVID-19 vaccines. We are encouraging our residents to come to the various registration sites in the city so we can accommodate you once more vaccines arrive in the metro. Batò Iloilo, mapabakuna ako!”

Vaccine updates as of August

Iloilo City Secures P414 M Worth of COVID-19 Vaccine. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, in a social media post, revealed that the Iloilo City Government has procured a total of Php 414 million worth of vaccines to achieve 85% herd immunity and ensure the safety of all Ilonggos. In an August 04 update, 21.20% (111,295) of the total target population have already received a second dose of vaccination whilst 30.65% (160,922) had their first dose.

Statement of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas: “The Iloilo City Government took a leap to shield the people of the metro against COVID-19 and its strains. We were able to allocate P414-M to ensure the safety of 525,000 individuals, the target population to achieve 85% herd immunity. This includes both the residents and those working in the city. We spent more than P300-M for AstraZeneca which is good for 600,000 doses, and more than P114-M for Novavax which is good for 163,927 doses.

The city is totally vaccine-dependent to the national government as of the moment as we wait for the arrival of the procured vaccines. We need more vaccines because we are facing an infectious and virulent surge right now due to the Delta variant, and we have to protect the people. The city can inoculate more COVID vaccines since the city hired additional vaccinators. We can do more than 15,000 vaccinations a day but we can only vaccinate if there are more vaccines. Tinguhaan guid namon nga maprotektahan ang tanan. Siguraduhon guid namon nga wala may mabilin sa sini nga krisis. Batò Iloilo, kaya ta ni!”

Compilation of The Vax Videos:

Watch: How vaccines work and why vaccines matters?