Dabawenyo parents are reminded anew to have their children vaccinated amid the recent deaths of two kids, who were among the nine unvaccinated mortality in Davao City due to COVID-19 from October 23 to 29.
Davao City COVID-19 Task Force spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser, during Friday’s (November 4) Bida Bakunado program over 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR), said that of the 10 recorded deaths, one belonged to the five to 11 age group while another was from the 12 to 17 age bracket – all eligible for the government’s free anti-COVID-19 vaccination program.
The other eight came from the vulnerable sector of senior citizens – seven of whom were unvaccinated while the other one received the primary two-dose series but without booster shots.
Schlosser rejected some people’s belief that children have strong immunity and are not susceptible to COVID-19, saying, “Dili tinuod na ang mga bata dili maigo og COVID-19. Ang atong datos shows even young ones nga ginatuuhan nga maayo ang immune system pwede nila ikamatay ang virus, labi na mga bataa ni nga wala gyud nagpabakuna (It’s not true that children won’t get hit by COVID-19. Our data shows that even young ones whom others think have a good immune system, they can still die due to the virus, especially kids who are not yet vaccinated).”
Children’s mortality rates because of the disease, according to her, are available and can be verified with the Department of Health (DOH) Davao region.
The city health official said it’s unfortunate that Dabawenyos continue to die due to COVID-19 when it can be prevented through vaccination and booster shots.
She said that among young children, there were no adverse reactions following immunization. “Gamay nga sakripisyo ang laing pamati sa adverse reactions. Dili tanang tao makabati og adverse reactions. Ang uban, because of fear, mag-create na hinuon og adverse reactions (It’s a little sacrifice to feel adverse reactions. Not everyone will experience it. Others, because of fear, will then experience adverse reactions),” Schlosser added.
Since Davao City’s district health centers are catering to vaccinees from Mondays to Fridays and People’s Park is open for weekend vaccinations on all Saturdays and Sundays until December 2022, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., she said there is no reason for Dabawenyos not to get themselves protected against the severity of COVID-19 symptoms that may result in death.
Schlosser said that with the relaxed minimum public health standards (MPHS), allowing the voluntary wearing of face mask wearing indoors and outdoors, except in public transportation and medical facilities, and the influx of social gatherings expected for the Christmas holidays, contracting COVID-19 is inevitable.
“Preparahan nato ang holiday season. Before mag Christmas party, mag caroling, o mag reunion, unta magpabakuna na ang tanan (Let’s prepare for the holiday season. Before attending Christmas parties, caroling, or reunions, we hope we all get ourselves vaccinated),” she said. CIO
