The COVID-19 vaccination activities in the Province of Zamboanga del Sur continued this month of May following the prioritization framework to reduce mortality and to preserve the health system capacity of the country. A total of ninety (90) health personnel under the Category A1 (Workers in Frontline Health Services) were vaccinated with their second (2nd) dose of Sinovac vaccine. The vaccination venue was on the 3rd floor of the Out-Patient Department (OPD) of Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center (ZDSMC). Some Municipalities in the Province also started their first vaccination among individuals who belong in Category A2 (Senior Citizen).
The Province of Zamboanga del Sur is currently at its initial phase of vaccination roll-out with the availability of Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines in the country. The vaccines for priority groups will be coming from the national government. For the meantime, Sinovac can be given to clinically healthy individuals 18 to 59 years old, while AstraZeneca can be given to those 18 years old and above, including senior citizens.
During vaccination, the site was divided into several areas for smooth vaccination flow of activity. This consists of a Registration area, Counselling area, Screening area, Vaccination area and Post-vaccination area. All health workers present in the vaccination site strictly followed the minimum health protocols i.e wearing of PPEs, medical face mask, face shield and sanitizing from time to time and all clients for vaccination were also instructed to wear face mask and face shield. The recipients were also informed on the common adverse effects after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine which includes tenderness, pain, warmth, redness, itching or swelling on the arm where you got the injection, generally feeling unwell, fatigue, chills or feeling feverish, headache, joint pain or muscle ache. These adverse effects will usually go away on their own within one to three days. At the post vaccination site, a health worker took their vital signs again and handed a prescription of medicines with their corresponding dosage whenever necessary to manage the adverse effects.
Being vaccinated does not guarantee us full immunity against the virus. The DOH stated that no vaccine provides 100% protection from COVID-19. It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. While a vaccinated person may not be completely prevented from getting infected, s/he will still have a reduced risk of getting severe forms of COVID-19.
Therefore, we need to continue to protect ourselves and our family by practicing the BIDA Behaviors:
- Wearing of Mask and Face Shield
- Wash/Sanitize Hands
- Avoid Crowded Places
- Ensure good ventilation at home or place of work
- Maintain 1 Meter Social Distancing
Be a part of the solution. Take responsible actions to prevent further spread of infection. Stay safe and stay home!
PNC-ZDS Marie Claire A. Gaas
References:
1. COVID-19 Vaccination at ZDSMC
Victory Zamboanga del Sur Facebook post
https://web.facebook.com/ZambosurOfficialPage
2. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Vaccines (28 October 2020)
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-vaccines?topicsurvey=v8kj13)&gclid=CjwKCAjwhYOFBhBkEiwASF3KGSfkorFQqmdPDS9Zn7FpBeMAKMt-4aXIssWq6B5O3KDa0uh97H54NxoCTAcQAvD_BwE
3. FAQs on the COVID-19 Vaccination in the Philippines
https://doh.gov.ph/Vaccines/when-will-the-COVID-19-available-to-me