By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

With President Rodrigo Duterte approving the go ahead in vaccinating the general population in October, Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said they will first wait for the advice of the province’s medical experts.

According to Diaz, the doctors are the ones who will bear the risk if there is a backlash on what brand of vaccine will be used, especially as teens aged 17 years old and below are included in the general population.

“Even though it was already approved by the President, let’s see as to when we can start vaccinating the general public,” Diaz said.

He said they welcome the President’s latest pronouncement, pointing out that a lot of parents in Negros Occidental have also expressed their eagerness to have their children vaccinated against COVID-19.

Some of the teens in Negros Occidental are also reported to be eager to get the vaccine, according to Diaz.

Diaz pointed out that there is some importance in getting teens vaccinated, as he noted that they go out and socialize a lot, which also presents a risk that they may get the virus.

“Some of them naga-crave na nga mag-socialize with friends and go out, so kung mabakunahan sila the sooner, the better,” Diaz added./DGB, WDJ