SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The Department of Health-Ilocos Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD-1) highly encourages the eligible population to get vaccinated with the additional booster dose or the bivalent vaccines.
 
According to Dr. Rheuel Bobis, Medical Office IV of DOH-CHD-1, the bivalent vaccine will give people a layer of protection against the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 disease.
 
“Ito ay pinagsamang bakuna na may strain of the original COVID-19 and the Omicron variant,” Bobis said.
 
He added, “Nagbibigay ito ng mas mataas na proteksyon lalo na sa Omicron variant na may mas mataas na transmissibility.”
 
The eligible population for the bivalent jabs is the senior citizens and the health care workers aged 18 years old and above who were able to complete the two primary booster doses at least four months before availing of the bivalent jab.
 
Bobis noted that just like any other vaccine, temporary and mild side effects are expected after getting the shot.
 
He reiterated that the COVID-19 vaccines are proven to be safe and effective protection from the deadly virus, and are given for free by the government. 
 
“Ang bivalent vaccine ay libre, epektibo at ligtas kaya walang dapat ikatakot. Ito ang magbibigay sa atin ng mas mataas na proteksyon laban sa isang vaccine preventable disease,” Bobis said.
 
In Region 1, a total of 23,460 doses have been allocated.
 
As of June 27, percent of usage remains at less than five percent. (JCR/AMB/CGRC, PIA Region 1)