The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO6) here is close to achieving 100 percent coverage for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) inoculation of its personnel in the region.

In an interview, PRO6 spokesperson, Lt. Col. Arnel Solis, said that as of Wednesday, at least 421 personnel or only 3.1 percent of their total organic force remain to be vaccinated.

“We have only a few left who are yet to be vaccinated. But they have medical reasons for not getting the vaccine,” he said.

PRO 6 data showed that 133 are either pregnant or lactating, 13 are still on quarantine or newly discharged after they were infected by the Covid-19, and one has a recent jab with another type of vaccine.

Others though have no underlying reason for not submitting themselves to the vaccination, but are still hesitant or undecided, he added.

As of Sept. 29, he said that 3,087 personnel have availed of the first dose and 9,981 are already fully vaccinated.

They comprised 97 percent of their total organic force.

The Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) has posted the highest vaccination rate at 99 percent while the regional headquarters and the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) have the lowest coverage at 95 percent each.

Nonetheless, he said that they continue to campaign for those who are not vaccinated because they are among those working in the frontline.

“Our PNP personnel are considered as front-liners. They work 24/7 in the fields and have exposure to people. Having the vaccine would give them and their family the needed protection,” he added.

Of the 1,433 total cumulative number of their personnel who contracted the virus, he said that 1,303 have already recovered as of September 29.

He added that 124 are still active cases while six have died. (PNA)