Bacolod dentists receive COVID-19 booster dose

(From left) OIC City Health Officer Dr. Edwin Miraflor, Medical Deputy Anna Maria Laarni Pornan, PDA Bacolod City Chapter President Dr. Realeza Ludovice, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, EOC-TF Executive Director Em Ang and Dr. Grace Tan hold the thumbs up sign as dentists receive their COVID-19 booster dose at the City Health Office.

Members of the Philippine Dental Association, Inc. – Bacolod City Chapter received their COVID-19 booster shots on Nov 19, at the Bacolod City Health Office, following the mandate set by the Department of Health (DOH).

About 30 dentists, including Chapter President Dr. Realeza Ludovice, were inoculated with booster doses as added protection as they continue to provide service to the city amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The booster shots follow the guidelines of a DOH Memorandum on the administration of COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose to priority Group 1A: Essential workers in the Frontline Health Services classified under A1.1 to A1.7.

“We need additional dose or the booster dose to excite our immune system and to give our body a proper amount of immune response in case the COVID virus will enter our system again,” said CHO OIC Dr. Edwin Miraflor.

Seven Bacolod hospitals and the Ayala Malls Capitol Central are designated to administer booster doses to the A1.1 to A1.7 group, Miraflor added, while explaining that the DOH will release the guidelines on booster shots by December 6.

“During this time, our senior citizens with comorbidities can avail of the booster dose. Vaccinees can also choose what brand of vaccine they want,” stressed Miraflor.

Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who was with Miraflor and EOC-TF Executive Director Em Ang during the vaccination event, encouraged non-vaccinated residents to take part in the upcoming National Vaccination Day on November 29 to December 1.

“This is one way for us to achieve herd immunity and a safer Bacolod,” said Leonardia.

Also joining the event were Medical Deputy Anna Maria Laarni Pornan and Dr. Grace Tan of the CHO. (PIO)