A total of 333 health workers from the five (5) Covid-19 referral hospitals in South Cotabato were vaccinated with Sinovac vaccines on Monday, March 8 following the arrival of at least 1,838 vaccines on Saturday in the province.
National Immunization Program Coordinator Genesis Navales said, out of these priority health workers, 103 came from the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital; 40 from SOCCSKSARGEN General Hospital; 35 from Howard Hubbard Memorial Hospital; 90 from Allah Valley Medical Specialist Center; and 65 from Dr. Arturo P. Pingoy Medical Center Inc.
“Proper assessments were undertaken prior to the vaccination activity, and only those who were on the priority list took the shots. ” Navales said,
Based on the guidelines, those who will be vaccinated are 18-59 years old and in good health condition.
Navales added that health workers were taken to the post-immunization site for at least 30 min to one hour for monitoring.
“This is to ensure their safety in case there were untoward incidents that may happen to them,” she said,
Provincial Epidemiology Surveillance Unit chief Cecil Lorenzo disclosed that after vaccination, at least 15 health workers were able to suffer mild symptoms such as headache, swelling, vomiting, and nausea based on their Adverse Event Following Immunization (AFI) report.
Lorenzo said these symptoms are expected after vaccination.
An acceptable number of occurrences is 1% to 10% but based on the vaccinated population with AFI, this only comprises 4% and is acceptable.
Lorenzo said, all who manifested symptoms were outpatient and went back to work after.
All these health workers are set to receive their second dose after 28 days or four weeks with the same dosage of Sinovac vaccines.
The Integrated Provincial Health Office reiterated that the same vaccine should be taken for the two doses.
The IPHO clarifies that the vaccination is voluntary and anybody can signify intention not to be vaccinated with Sinovac through the quick substitution list. However, if they prefer to have their vaccination soon, they can still avail of the vaccines subject to their availability.
