Kids’ party-themed vax site. Photos by Armand Galang
CABANATUAN CITY — Health officials opted to work on a weekend to vaccinate more children aged 5-11 years old at the cinema area of SM City Cabanatuan as registrants continue to increase, a ranking official said on Thursday.
Provincial health officer Dr. Josie Garcia said her team was inspired by the number of children being brought by their parents at the arcade-dressed area to get protection from the coronavirus disease.
From 59 on its first day on Wednesday, more than 70 children were jabbed at Resbakuna Kids on Thursday, she said, noting that at least 600 parents have already registered their children online for vaccination.
“Sabi ng mga mothers mas madaling pumunta sa mall kaysa sa mga RHU (rural health unit) o kaya sa mga gymnasium,” Garcia said, citing the mall management for the ample space they set up conducive to children.
Officials have also realized that parents could have better opportunity to bring their children on Saturday and Sunday, she said.
The challenge that the government faces though is the limited supply of vaccine.
‘Sabagay sabi nila yun daw ay initial doses pa lang. Hindi pa lang sure kung kailan yung susunod,” she explained.
The regional office has sent 30 vials or 300 doses so far. Thus, the vaccines they have allotted for Monday and Tuesday next week might be consumed by the weekend.
Ariel Cancer, a resident of this city, left his carinderia to have his 10-year-old child vaccinated on Thursday.
“Sa bahay kasi ay siya na lang ang hindi vaccinated. Mas maganda for protection na rin po,” he said.
Mariel, Grade 5, never felt nervous because of the set-up of the Resbakuna Kids area where all children’s favorite cartoon characters were on display.
“Malaking tulong yung ganitong set-up tapos she is aware of the importance of the vaccine,” Cancer said.-
Garcia said no incident of adverse effects has so far been recorded. At any event, however, they have an agreement with the nearest hospital to make sure that immediate treatment shall be delivered, she explained.
