Region 8 hospitals advised to accelerate bivalent vax rollout

Cesafi News | Region 8 hospitals advised to accelerate bivalent vax rollout | TACLOBAN CITY – 

Eastern Visayas (Region 8) health facilities were instructed to “re-strategize” bivalent Covid-19 vaccination to finish the allocation by August.

Since the deployment of bivalent Pfizer Covid-19 vaccinations in early July, just 45.2% of the allotment has been used for the target group, according to the DOH regional office.

Only 6,446 of the 11,760 bivalent vaccines delivered to the region have been used, and 5,314 are remaining in hospitals, rural health units, and other facilities as of Aug. 22.

In a statement, DOH Eastern Visayas regional director Exuperia Sabalberino recommended health institutions to enhance uptake and fully consume the allocated vaccines by the end of the month before obtaining more doses of the bivalent vaccines.

Facilities were urged to reallocate vaccines within their inter-local health zones or to the nearest facilities with high uptake and demand, in collaboration with local health offices.

First, second, and third booster doses of the bivalent Pfizer Covid-19 vaccinations are provided for healthcare personnel and the most vulnerable population over 18.

This is given four to six months following their latest Covid-19 vaccination dose.

A bivalent vaccine can protect against the original Covid-19 strain and Omicron subvariants. (via PNA)