Baguio cites equity, well-set target, teamwork in vax success

BAGUIO CITY (December 25, 2021)— The Baguio City Health Services Office cited five best practices that helped the city not only achieve but even surpass vaccination targets.

As of Dec 17, 2021, the city has attained 102.21 percent accomplishment in fully vaccinating its eligible population and 118.74 percent in dispensing at least one dose to the eligible population exceeding the 70 percent target set by the Department of Health.

The city sought to challenge itself by imposing its own vaccination goal at 95 percent or 281,000 individuals and as of Dec. 21, it reported a 100.37 percent accomplishment for individuals with at least one dose and 88.89 percent for fully vaccinated individuals.

For its pediatric population, it has fully vaccinated 58.44 percent and given at least one dose to 72.94 percent of its target population of 42,811 also as of Dec. 21.

The CHSO under the leadership of City Health Officer Dr. Rowena Galpo and Asst. City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes cited the following best practices for its successful vaccination program: Equity where health workers and senior citizens were given priority in the vaccination program; Target was clearly set at the start of pandemic and the goal to vaccinate more than 85 percent and later upgraded to 95 percent of the target population and was well communicated to all stakeholders; Teamwork which means whole to government, whole of society, whole of sector approach was always emphasized

a. Vaccine supply – Reliable vaccine supply from national to local; purchase of vaccine by the city; vaccine loan policy by private to government

b. Manpower- augmentation from private sector (Baguio Country Club and PEZA), and public (DOH- hired vaccinators, BCPO, Dep-Ed, Government Hospital, PMA), manpower support (POSD, 911, BB PICAG, admin staff of universities, AFP reserve commands), private organizations and clubs.

c. Vaccination sites- partnership with public (BGHMC, BCNHS), and private (SLU Gym, UB, SM Baguio, BCC, SLU St Vincent), religious (Divine Mercy Church)

d. Cold chain management-related equipment and supplies (vaccine refrigerator donated by private sector and vaccine generators);

Access – Increased availability of vaccines through Mobile Vaccination for home-bound clients, outreaches in the community, market, church goers, transport group), workplace outreaches including all public and private schools, nursing homes and isolation facilities; and Policy Support marked by a. IT Support through the B.I.D.A website (Baguio Inoculation Digital App) to monitor vaccination uptake, breakthrough infections, validate vaccination record

b. Demand generation activities through quad-media campaign

c. Issuance of resolution, administrative order, and advisories in support of vaccination

d. Allocation of financial resources to hire additional manpower, food for vaccinators, overtime pay of staff

e. Command and Control – creation of organizational structure on Vaccination Program with roles and function of each member.

Artemio A. Dumlao