A total of 93.33 percent of Bacolod City’s vaccinable population is already fully inoculated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), data released yesterday by the Emergency Operations Center-Task Force (EOC-TF) showed.

EOC-TF Executive Director Em Legaspi-Ang said 383,307 Bacolodnons, or 93.33 percent of the targeted vaccinable population of 410,701, are already fully vaccinated to date.

Ang, further citing a Department of Health (DOH) situationer report, disclosed that 104.05 percent, or 427,320 residents, have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

Dr. Chris Sorongon, EOC-TF deputy for medical and data analysis, said this means that Bacolod is only a few steps away from achieving herd immunity.

While the city’s vaccination statistics have already exceeded the 100 percent mark, only the national government, through the DOH, can declare a local government unit to have achieved herd immunity, Sorongon said.

Despite the stellar numbers, the EOC-TF will continue administering vaccines and will shift its focus on giving booster shots and second doses to residents when mall-based vaccination centers resume their operation on January 3, 2022, Sorongon added.

They also requested barangay captains to help identify residents who have yet to get vaccinated, particularly the senior citizens and those with co-morbidities, and make them a priority next year.

Meanwhile, a special one-day vaccination drive will be held today at the second floor of Ayala Malls Capitol Central for those set to receive booster shots and second doses starting 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m./WDJ