NVPH vax strategies entice kids

The Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Hospital (NVPH) in Bambang, the biggest among the five hospitals being managed and operated by the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya (PGNV), commenced its vaccination program for the 5-11 years old group last February 18.

Chief of Hospital Dr. Arlene I. Jara had mobilized two teams consisting of 25 well-trained nurses and supervising doctors for the program, which she said will be undertaking the administration of vaccine jabs for kids from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM every Friday, along with other concomitant tasks.

Stressing DOH guidelines, Dr. Jara said “Proper vaccine administration is critical to ensure that vaccination is safe and effective. All health care personnel who administer vaccines should have comprehensive and competency-based training on vaccine administration policies and procedures before administering vaccines.”

Mr. King Harold G. Bautista, Health Education and Promotion Officer of the NVPH, who was designated by Dr. Jara to lead the vaccination teams, said that the successful implementation of the launching program can be significantly attributed to the strategies adopted by the hospital to entice the kids and their parents/guardians.

To create a child-friendly atmosphere that will allay fears and build confidence among the kids, the Teams decorated the vaccination venue with colorful balloons, tarpaulins, and buntings. Accompanied by their parents/guardians, the kids who were then wearing cartoon-character costumes and makeups, participated in parlor games and were also given some snacks items and candy loot bags donated by Governor Carlos M. Padilla and medical representatives of pharmaceutical companies.

NVPH was given 150 1st dose vaccines for the launching but had administered 90 doses only as the remaining 60 doses were shared with the Municipal Health Office. HEPO Bautista explained that the 0.2ml 10mcg Pfizer doses for kids which are administered at a three-week interval are milder as compared to the adults’ 0.3 ml 30 mcg.

Dr. Edwin B. Galapon, Provincial Integrated Health Officer, said that since COVID-19 vaccination is a continuing program, the province expects to receive more on top of the initial 6,000 kid doses allotted by the DOH, along with those for the other group categories. #mccd