Unvaccinated people are about 9 times more likely to get infected with COVID-19 than those who are vaccinated, according to the most recent data study of the city government.
As of November 2, 8.4% of the unvaccinated target population have contracted COVID-19 as compared to only 0.9% and 0.2% of the fully and partially vaccinated populations, respectively, who experienced breakthrough infections.
Moreover, 919 of the 960 recorded COVID deaths were individuals who were unvaccinated, putting the share of unvaccinated in the total case fatality at 96%.
The study also noted that breakthrough infections – defined as situations where vaccinated individuals get COVID – are considerable in the workplaces with 55.4% of infections registered from July 1 to November 2
City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite said a possible factor to the occurrence of breakthrough cases is increased complacency in observing minimum health standards in individuals who are fully vaccinated.
“One of the reasons is because we have let our guards down already. We know fully vaccinated ya kita, so ta keda bajo el diaton practice del minimum health standards because we are confident that we are fully vaccinated,” said Dr. Miravite.
She reminded the public that while vaccination provides added protection and will prevent severe symptoms and even death, one can still get COVID-19.
The city government is aiming to inoculate 70% of the population, and with increased vaccine supplies from the national government, will intensify vaccination roll out in the coming days.
City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Miravite said various strategies on how increase vaccination are being looked into in a bid to accomplish this goal and to attain herd immunity the soonest possible time.
The city government hopes to obtain at least 50% vaccination status by December.
Plans to conduct mobile vaccination activities are also underway.
The City Health Office has also stated that it will allocate more vaccines to barangays with high COVID-19 cases. (Jasmine Mohammadsali)
(Source: City Government of Zamboanga Facebook page)
