Mayor Beng Climaco has appealed to the residents of Zamboanga City to submit themselves for vaccination against the dreaded novel coronavirus disease 2019 or Covid-19. Climaco issued the appeal following observations that many people are still adamant to receive the vaccines due to fear.

“We have requested for more vaccines because Zamboanga City has been identified as one of the areas of concern in the country. Take this opportunity because it will be an added layer of protection against covid.” Climaco said when interviewed Monday on “Dateline Teleradyo,” a news and public affairs program of TV11.

The mayor said the 17,800 doses of vaccines delivered earlier on have already been given out and more are coming. “So we appeal to our residents to have themselves registered for vaccination without preference of which brand of vaccine they want though they have the right known the kind of vaccine administered on them.”

She explained though that having been vaccinated does not mean the person is free to roam around and does what he wants. “It does not mean you cannot be infected anymore. No! There is yet a certain period when the vaccine can develop an anti-body in the system. You still have to observe the protocols, limit your movements to accessing essential goods and services,” she said.

In the meantime, Climaco said the city is reviewing and recalibrating its covid responses because the Office of Civil Defense has given several requirements. Thus, she has directed a review of the emergency operations manual of the city following a meeting Tuesday with Gen. Feliciano of OCD on how to contain covid transmission. “Very important are the components such as contact tracing, isolation, treatment or vaccination and integration,” the mayor stressed.-(Vic Larato)