LAOAG CITY – Ilocos Norte’s health workers have intensified the administration of booster vaccines to all its eligible population.

On Tuesday, at least three key vaccination sites were activated for the simultaneous nationwide launch of the Department of Health’s (DOH) “PinasLakas” program, which aims to encourage more people to get their booster doses against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

The key sites where walk-in clients can be accommodated under the A1 to A3 categories include the Laoag City General Hospital (LCGH), Barangay Hall of Davila in Pasuquin town, and the People’s Center Gymnasium in Marcos, Ilocos Norte.

In his short speech during the launch at the LCGH, Dr. Virgilio Mangapit, officer in charge of the DOH, assured the public that all the Covid-19 vaccines, regardless of the brand, are proven safe and effective.

"All the vaccines given to the LCGH from the DOH are safe and effective based on scientific studies," he said, as he reiterated that people should only listen to authorized health experts and not those who are spreading wrong information.

As of this posting, Mangapit reported that barely 31 percent of the 500,196 eligible population have availed of the first booster shot.

“By the end of July, we hope to achieve at least 50 percent in booster coverage,” he added.

At the LCGH, the administration of booster shots is open to people 18 years old and above, including workers in front-line health services (A1 category), senior citizens (A2), and immunocompromised individuals (A3).

The administration of vaccines is available from 8 a.m. to 12 noon from Monday to Friday.

To avoid long lines in vaccination centers, the public is advised to call the Operation Center Hotline number 0997-2439485 to pre-register and set a schedule.

In anticipation of the implementation of full face-to-face classes, Laoag City Mayor Michael Keon is urging parents and their children to get their booster shots.

To get more people vaccinated, Keon said booster vaccines would also be rolled out in the barangays of Laoag City to avoid overcrowding in key vaccination centers.

In terms of vaccine rollout, DOH records show Ilocos Norte still has the highest number of administered vaccines in the region with a total of 495,627 individuals now fully vaccinated with first and second doses of Covid-19 vaccines.