The Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccination rollout has officially begun at the Queen city of the South, Cebu City, in a ceremony at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, Medical Arts Building 2 Atrium, on June 26, 2023.

Following its national launch at the Philippine Heart Center in the capital region, the bivalent COVID-19 vaccination that offers protection against the original COVID-19 virus and the Omicron variant, Cebu City took its turn at one of the most outstanding hospitals, CebuDoc.

At least 300 patient-handling frontliners in CebuDoc will be vaccinated in two days beginning from June 26, including the CDG President and Chairman of the Board himself, Doctor Potenciano S.D. ‘Yong’ Larrazabal III who were among the first ones who got jabbed during the ceremonial vaccination.

Joining Doctor Larrazabal were the government executives led by no less than Cebu City Mayor Honorable Michael L. Rama, Vice Mayor Alvin Raymond Garcia, Cebu City Health Officer Dr. Daisy Villa, and Dr. Joan Albito the DOH National Immunization Program Coordinator.

Approximately 2 years after combatting an unseen foe, the vaccination efforts of the healthcare sector have continued. The health workers (A1) and senior citizen (A2) who were able to receive the second booster shots four to six months ago are eligible for the bivalent jabs.

Doctor Potenciano Larrazabal III who also took part in the ceremonial vaccination expresses his gratitude to the City Government for allowing CebuDoc to be the partner hospital for the first Bivalent rollout and essentially the first healthcare frontliners to get jabbed.  He added this rollout is a ‘team effort’ as this cannot be done without the contribution of each sector.

“No one can do it alone, we work hand in hand, the government, the DOH, and of course us the Private Practitioners here in Cebu Doctors University Hospital…. It is proof that we are here, we are committed to serving Cebuano and the rest of the community,” the Chairman said.

In her speech Dr. Daisy Villa, Cebu City Health Officer said the vaccine is ‘effective’ but the immunity it gives ‘wears off over time’.

 “The Bivalent booster builds upon your previous vaccination to keep your immune system, ready to help you avoid serious illnesses.,” Doctor Villa said. 

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama encourages Cebuano to take the bivalent jab to counter the continuing health challenge of the COVID-19 virus. He added Cebu City will always welcome any development.

“It will always be a learning lesson that never again. In all health challenges, vaccination should never be ignored…vaccination will always be the solution,” he added.

In her comprehensive report on the Bivalent Vaccine, Dr. Joan Albito thoroughly presents the elevated protection that comes from this booster. CebuDoc healthcare frontliners essentially mark the beginning of the vaccination in Cebu City which will soon be available to the public.