Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan C. Agda encourages his fellow Boronganons to be vaccinated, “so their body systems would be capable in combatting the dreadful coronavirus.”
“We are targeting at least 80% of the public is willing to receive the vaccine, however a recently conducted Man-on-the Street (MOTS) survey in the city poblacion, indicated only 53% are willing to be vaccinated,’’ Mayor Agda said.
In a brief interview with Ionnes Omang over DYVL “Aksyon Radyo” Tacloban, Mayor Agda cited the public’s low awareness level, knowledge and understanding of COVID-19 vaccines, which could have contributed to the relatively low percentage of willingness as revealed in the MOTS with 300 samples.
“Thus, we are set to conduct a series of public information and education campaign with some of our medical experts leading, in translating the benefits, nature even limitations of targeted vaccines to be procured by the city government,” the City Mayor explained.
He added though, that he is confident, the number will increase once the right, relevant and timely information would be heard by the public.
It was heard from the City Mayor that he has initially arranged with the makers of AstraZeneca, the Britain-made vaccine. He shared further that the vaccine has a good percentage of efficacy and which can be stored in just a refrigerator-like temperature.
And, since no specific pharmaceutical company can supply the world’s great demand for COVID-19 vaccines, Mayor Agda has likewise started negotiations with the makers of Moderna, J&J and Novavax, it was learned.
“I appeal for the public’s trust and confidence on the vaccine and on our medical experts, on the results of clinical tests and on the process of procurement being complied with.” he further said.
“As your current local officials, we are seeing to it that appropriate preparations are being laid down, including a Vaccination Plan, so that, we can’t be caught flat-footed in any event the vaccine arrives us,” he shared.
It was learned that the proposed Vaccination Plan includes the vaccination sites with a drive-through, the medical team to be involved and the prioritization guidelines, to name a few.
Earlier, the Local Chief Executive reminded his constituents that the Vaccination Program primarily aims to save lives, prevent morbidity even deaths from COVID-19.
Secondly, the city government is buying a vaccine so that lives can return to normalcy, for the economy to pick-up, for the low wage earner working for his family’s daily consumption, when there would be lesser travel restrictions, for families to continue the bond, and church services held with other fellowships, without having to worry for a virus carrier nearby.
Mayor Agda cited also transparency, as one big factor which can change the public’s perception toward COVID-19 Vaccines and the government’s Vaccination Plan.
“Everything must be known”, (Dapat waray tatagoon nga impormasyon), he cautioned.
“Transparency is the word, from the results of clinical trials, procurement procedures and all,” he stressed.
When these are made open to the public, there is also a big possibility that the percentage of public’s trust confidence and willingness to be vaccinated will increase.” Mayor Agda concluded. #
#BoronganonDisiplinadoAko
