None of Negros Occidental’s 31 towns and cities have fully vaccinated 70 percent of their total populations to hit COVID-19 herd immunity yet.
But the province has vaccinated 1,135,731 residents or 62.22 percent of its target population with at least one dose as of Sunday, January 9, Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, Provincial Health Officer said Monday, January 10.
He said 873,223 or 47.84 percent have been fully vaccinated as of Sunday.
This is a 5.67 percent increase from the 769,746 or 42.17 percent target population who were vaccinated as of January 2.
Negros Occidental still needs to vaccinate 689,639 residents, he said.
Of the local government units that have vaccinated more than 70 percent of their targets with at least one dose, the topnotcher was La Carlota City with 114.75 percent, followed by Murcia with 99.52 percent;
Cadiz City – 78.74 percent, Sagay City – 77.28 percent, Sagay City – 77.28 percent, Talisay City – 76.56 percent, EBMagalona – 76.09 percent, Victorias City – 76.06 and Pulupandan – 73.94 percent.
The nine LGUs that have achieved below 50 percent of their target for vaccination are Calatrava – 37.97 percent, Toboso – 41.86 percent, Cauayan – 47.20 percent;
La Castellana – 46.27 percent, San Carlos City – 45.91 percent, Moises Padilla – 42.75 percent, Manapla – 44.63 percent, Isabela – 48. 59 percent and Sipalay City – 49.44 percent.
Tumimbang said there has been a low turnout of vaccinees among those living in the hinterland areas, especially among the indigenous peoples.
More education drives are needed to convince people to get vaccinated, he said.
He also cited certain religious groups who advocate no vaccination.*