DOH-13 holds symbolic vaccination rollout for essential services workers

BUTUAN CITY, May 1 (PIA) -- In celebration of Labor Day, a symbolic vaccination rollout for select workers under the A4 priority group was launched by the Department of Health (DOH) with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), where ten (10) workers from essential sectors received COVID-19 jabs.

“This is one of our ways of honoring the laborers and workers of the government and those in the private sector. These are essential workers in keeping our economy alive which is why the national government pays tribute to these workers by giving them protection,” said Dr. Cesar Cassion, regional director of the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga.

Those included in the A4 priority group sectors or groups that have high levels of interaction with or exposure to the public and cannot dutifully practice the minimum public health standards (MPHS) at work such those in the accommodation and food service industries, etc., and those that ensure security, consumer and worker safety, and working in priority government projects.

While the exact schedule for the official vaccination rollout for the A4 priority group is yet to be determined, the DOH reports that they are still completing the vaccination of individuals belonging to the A1 priority group (healthcare workers).

Protection from the fatal virus remains a priority among Filipinos especially those who continue to serve the public which is why Edgar Astrera, a worker from the private sector, immediately grabbed the opportunity despite his hesitation.

“May apprehension pa rin po naman ako since these vaccines are not proven to be 100% effective. Pero syempre mas mabuti pa yung navaccinate ka kaysa sa wala. Mas mahirap kasi dahil hindi mo alam kung sino yung nahawaan na ng COVID-19. At least kung meron kang vaccine, meron kang panlaban,” he said.

Rhoda Devaras, an employee of the medical supplies distributor Djar Trades, shares the same sentiment and even advocates for the COVID-19 vaccines.

“Lahat ng tao sa mundo naghihirap dahil sa pandemiya. Ang pagbabakuna ay isa sa mga hakbang upang hindi na lumala ang ating sitwasyon ngayon kaya mas mainam na magpabakuna tayong lahat.”

Per the latest report from DOH Caraga, as of April 29, 2021, a total of 43,155 individuals in Caraga region have been vaccinated for COVID-19. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)