BAGUIO CITY – The Department of the Interior and Local Government in the region has urged the local government units (LGUs) to fast-track their vaccination process in order to help meet the target of the national government.
“The LGUs can fast-track their vaccination process by simplifying existing mechanisms and adopting faster ways of obtaining and relaying information to the people and partnering with non-government and civic organizations. They can also replicate best practices of other LGUs and other countries relating to inoculation,” said OIC-Regional Director Araceli San Jose.
She also emphasized that LGUs should follow existing protocols or guidelines issued by the national government when it comes to vaccination, including prioritization in the administration of Covid-19 vaccines.
Combat Vaccine Hesitancy
OIC-RD San Jose noted that the implementation of effective communications program by LGUs is critical in boosting people’s confidence on the vaccines and the vaccination process.
“There is a need for us to increase vaccine confidence and improve the public’s understanding of how it can help control the spread of Covid-19 in their families and communities,” she said.
Adoption of Best Practices in Vaccination Roll-out
Consequently, to speed up the vaccination process, LGUs are encouraged to adopt best practices in the vaccination roll-out that have been proven effective to encourage vaccine registration; undertaking aggressive vaccination information drive through combined use of social and traditional means of providing information; and establishment of mass vaccination sites by building partnership with various sectors.
OIC-RD San Jose said that LGUs can conduct simulation exercises prior to the vaccination roll-out, deployment of mobile units to deliver and administer vaccines, partner with private hospitals and clinics and mobilize volunteers to augment the needed manpower requirements. She also recommended the establishment of well-coordinated contingency plan and strategies, and strict monitoring and swift response on Adverse Effects Following immunization (AEFI).
