Naga forms Covid-19 vax preparatory committee

By Jason Neola

THE Naga City government has created a preparatory committee that will implement strategies to ensure that the conduct of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccination will be properely managed and in line with the guidelines of the national government.

Mayor Nelson Legacion issued Executive Order 2021-001, which lays down the city government’s plan in preparation for the forthcoming inoculation of residents in the city.

The plan is an eight-pronged approach that includes the: writing of the city vaccination plan; preparation of risk communication plans; conduct of early vaccine communication campaign; preparation of master list of priority eligible vaccine populations based on the guidelines of World Health Organization Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (WHO SAGE) and the Department of Health (DOH);

THE LGU Naga’s Health Emergency Task Force headed by Mayor Nelson Legacion (second from left, counter clockwise) as responsible officer, and City Health Officer Vito Borja M.D. (leftmost), as Chairman. JBN/RAM.CEPPIO

Identification of possible vaccine centers, available cold chain storages, and other logistical requirements; coordination with the private sector for additional vaccine procurement; preparation of a master list of personnel who can be deployed to implement the vaccination program such as doctors, nurses, barangay health workers, and other medical personnel; and Preparation and mobilization of barangay personnel and other volunteers to assist in the preparations and actual vaccination; ensuring public safety, maintaining minimum public health standards, and waste management and sanitation; and city funding and procurement.Legacion, in an interview, said that in general, the committee shall be responsible for preparing the city for the upcoming national and local vaccination programs against Covid-19.

With regard to the committee’s cooperation with other government agencies, Section 4 of the executive order said that national agencies, other than the DOH and the Philippine National Police, may be called upon for assistance in the implementation of the city’s vaccination program, whenever their expertise and manpower are required.

The Naga City Police Office will serve as a support unit along with the city’s 27 barangay chairpersons and volunteers, the Public Safety Office, and personnel of the Solid Waste Management in ensuring public safety, maintaining minimum public health standards, and waste management and sanitation during the vaccination activities. (PNA)