Negros Occidental has vaccinated 60.37 percent of its 1.8 million target population with at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccines, Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, provincial health officer, said Wednesday, December 29.
Negros Occidental has a population of 2,607,671 and needs to fully vaccinate 1,825, 370 residents to hit herd immunity.
Vaccinated in Negros Occidental with at least one dose are 1,101,979 and fully vaccinated are 713,839 or 39.11 percent, a Department of Health (DOH) report Wednesday showed.
Negros Occidental stills need to vaccinate 723,391 or 39.63 percent of its target population, the DOH added.
Among 31 local government units in Negros Occidental, La Carlota City was the top performer having vaccinated 110.77 percent of its target population with their first dose, and fully vaccinated 76.63 percent, the DOH report showed.
The vaccination figures in Negros occidental could be higher are some LGUs have been unable to submit their reports because of lack of electricity and Internet connections, Dr. Jessica Fama, PHO medical specialist 3, said.
The vaccination drive in Negros Occidental, especially in southern Negros occidental, was slowed down by typhoon “Odette”, Tumimbang said.
However, they need to step up the vaccination drive to protect more people amid the threat of the Omicron variant that could trigger another surge in COVID-19 cases.
There is a surge in COVID-19 cases in the United States and Europe, he noted.
When there is a surge in those countries, history has shown that after two months a surge also occurs in Asia, Tumimbang said.
He reiterated the call for residents to get vaccinated, observe health protocols, and stay safe, especially as they usher in the New Year.
Tumimbnag said people should celebrate within their family bubbles in order to stay safe.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the province will still be faced with the need to curb the spread of COVID-19 in 2022.
“Let us be cognizant that COVID-19 is still very present”, he said, noting that Omicron variant cases have already been detected in the country.
“So let’s continue to be vigilant and protect ourselves,” Lacson said.*
