Archdiocese of Caceres hosts first FBO-initiated vaccination

The Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Jude Thaddeus of Naga City offered its premises as a vaccination site for COVID19 on November 20, 2021. This is the first in a series of vaccinations hosted by Faith-Based Organizations after the completion of trainings and meetings organized by the Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development.

The parish vaccination activity headed by Fr. Francis Tordilla with the assistance of Ms. Mariss Catherine Roque was launched through a jumpstart event. This was graced by the Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion, the Provincial DOH Officer of Camarines Sur, Dr. Rey Millena of PDO Cam Sur, and Dr. Nathalie Lazaro of Bicol Medical Center (BMC) Public Health Unit.

Four hundred eight (408) adult parishioners were inoculated during the day exceeding the target of three hundred sixty-eight (368). There were no reported Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFIs).

Volunteers made up the vaccination team stationed at the site. The team consisted of doctors and volunteers from the parish, BMC, Universidad de Sta. Isabel (USI), NICC Doctors Hospital, and the Philippine Coast Guard.

The vaccination site of the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Jude Thaddeus will continue to inoculate the pediatric population on November 30. This is part of their participation in the upcoming National Vaccination Days on November 29 to December 1, 2021.

Other FBOs are also gearing up to organize their own vaccination sites and demand generation teams.

The vaccination program of the Department of Health is a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach. The contribution of the FBOs positively impacts the goal of the DOH in achieving herd immunity. With this, the Bicol CHD encourages other FBOs to assist in the vaccination program through either setting up vaccination sites in their parishes and/or strengthening demand generation to provide additional protection for their congregations through vaccination.

Kudos to the Archdiocese of Caceres and Parish of St. Jude Thaddeus of Naga City for their engagement!