Department of Health (DOH) Ilocos Region assistant director Helen Tobias on Tuesday led the launch of the workplace vaccination program at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas – La Union regional office.
First to be given the immunization shot were the BSP employees and their families.
“Workplace vaccination has its own benefits, both to employers and employees,” said Tobias.
She said it is cost effective as it dramatically cuts the time needed to get vaccinated, and reduces absences due to illnesses.
Tobias also noted it improves workers’ morale because if the workplace is 100 percent vaccinated, everyone can feel safe and secure from the COVID-19.
“This is one of the strategies that we will be doing. We will bring Covid 19 vaccine to the target list,” Tobias said.
She cited the need for booster shots to strengthen the fight against the virus.
“The goal is to protect employees, customers, and other stakeholders.”
Tobias added that the regional office together with various local government units are committed to reach the targets and all avenues will be utilize to make the vaccine easily accessible to all.
The workplace vaccination activity will visit all public, including private offices in all the provinces of the region.
“Vax posts will be established in markets, schools, terminals, communities and places where people frequent including house-house visits, especially to seniors who are not able to go to vax centers.”
A total of 159, 849 senior citizens received first booster dose. Individuals aged 12 and above with first dose of booster shot at 934,304 and those who received their second booster dose at 70,676./
Fully vaccinated individuals were counted at 3,759,101 and those who have at least one dose at 3,999,767.