What LGUs should do to ensure orderly, transparent process before vaccine arrives

THE government will soon start inoculating the public against COVID-19, but there are challenges that local government units (LGUs) are bound to face with vaccine distribution. Here are some suggestions to help ensure a smooth process:

1. Organize a vaccination committee (a multidisciplinary group) that would determine who to prioritize for vaccinations, look for logistics for refrigeration, plan for the mass vaccination process, and figure out the registration process, including data information.

2. Whether it’s a single- or two-dose vaccine, LGUs must make sure that they get both doses at the proper time through an efficient tracking and record system. They would need tablets or laptops for a more efficient documentation process to keep track of shots they administer to patients, and to schedule follow-up visits for the second shot.

3. Since some vaccines must be stored at subzero temperatures, LGUs must secure special freezers or refrigerators to accommodate them, and conduct a thorough inventory of storage equipment in each hospital, barangay, or city (including personal protective equipment, hypodermic needles, and disinfecting wipes).

4. Observe “patient matching,” or the process of ensuring that correct individuals are given the proper shots, including information on side effects.

5. Formulate a systematic flow from vaccine supplier to the target population by making sure real-time data on therapeutics supply and plans for vaccine dissemination are accessible.

6. Educate people on the importance and benefits of vaccination, citing the good effects of previous vaccines and clarifying safety issues to avoid vaccine hesitancy. Patients should be made aware of all the risks and benefits of treatment options.

7. Tap existing staff, as well as barangay health workers, emergency medical services, police, etc., to help manage vaccination sites, whether they are public hospitals or private clinics.

8. Consider different vaccination delivery models such as drive-through clinics.

9. Ensure that health protocols, i.e., wearing of face masks and maintaining physical distance, are still observed during the vaccination process.

I hope these measures may help.

Anthony A. Marquez, MD MHA, assistant medical director, Pasig City General Hospital