The vaccination against COVID-19 of Taal Volcano evacuees in the towns of Agoncillo and Laurel in Batangas began on Monday using the Sinovac vaccine.
The Department of Health (DOH) has increased the allocation to immediately evacuate the displaced residents due to the eruption of Taal Volcano.
An estimated 130 people were vaccinated in Agoncillo.
However, some are still hesitant to be vaccinated.
Meanwhile, 50 were inoculated in Laurel. Apart from the evacuees, responders and teachers in charge of the evacuation centers have also been vaccinated.
According to the DOH, those who reject the COVID-19 vaccine should be encouraged.
In addition to vaccines, the DOH has also sent antigen test kits.
DOH advises LGUs to implement health protocols such as distance per family, proper ventilation, and always wear a face mask.
Apart from COVID-19, there are other health threats that the government is monitoring.
Many sought medical attention at Ticub Elementary School, one of the evacuation sites in Laurel, where residents of Barangay Bugaan East were taken.
Thirty-three people, including six children, experienced cough, cold, and fever but tested negative for COVID-19 and were given medication.
Vaccination of Taal evacuees begins
According to DOH data, acute respiratory infections are the most commonly consulted by physicians and pre-natal issues, body aches, diarrhea, and headaches.
The province is said to be intensifying the testing, especially since the symptoms of COVID-19 are almost the same as the effects of sulfur dioxide.
Alert Level 3 (Magmatic Unrest) now prevails over Taal Volcano. At Alert Level 3, magma extruding from the Main Crater could drive explosive eruption.
The public is reminded that the entire Taal Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and entry into the island and into the high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel must be prohibited due to the hazards of pyroclastic density currents, and volcanic tsunami should strong eruptions occur.
All activities on Taal Lake should not be allowed at this time. Communities around the Taal Lake shores are advised to remain vigilant, take precautionary measures against possible airborne ash and vog and calmly prepare for possible evacuation should unrest intensify.
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