The Negros Occidental provincial government is aiming to reach its target population of 1.825 million for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination this February.

The number is equivalent to 70 percent of the province’s 2.607 million total population.

On Thursday, data from the Department of Health-Western Visayas showed Negros Occidental has a performance of 69.53 percent or 1.269 million vaccinated with at least one dose while 60.43 percent or 1.103 million fully vaccinated as of February 3.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said there is a need to exert effort to meet the target.

“We should really give it a final push if we want to meet the February deadline so it would be a photo finish. I think we are now 60 percent of our target. That’s still 40 percent, it really takes a lot of effort to meet,” he added.

Lacson said he is optimistic Negros Occidental can “finally reach herd immunity” by meeting the target within the month.

Data from the Provincial Health Office further showed at least nine local government units have reached more than 70 percent of their target population with at least one dose.

Earlier, Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, provincial health officer, said the government’s advocacy is important in convincing the people to avail of the Covid-19 jabs.

He added though there is an abundant supply of vaccines, there are no takers, particularly in areas with less than 50 percent accomplishment rate.

“There are still those who don’t know why they need to get vaccinated and are not aware of the importance of the vaccine, that’s a major concern,” Tumimbang said. (PNA)