The Ilocos Norte government bared on Tuesday that it has fully vaccinated 99 percent of its 500,196 eligible population against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), more than a year after the vaccination roll out in the country.

Provincial health officer Josephine Ruedas said in an interview Tuesday this comprised a total of 495,627 individuals.

To reach out to the remaining one percent of the eligible population, the Provincial Health Office has partnered with Robinsons Mall and other local government units to accommodate “walk-ins” in the administration of vaccines.

Based on data from the Department of Health, Ilocos Norte still has the highest number of administered vaccines so far in the region.

At present, the vaccination of minors aged 5 to 11 years old is ongoing in various local government units.

Ruedas urged all residents to avail of booster shots too to ensure better protection against the disease. “Those who were vaccinated early on [last year] have no more protection. So please, we encourage you to have the booster shots,” she said.

To help in the administration of vaccines and provide other health services at the grassroots level, the Ilocos Norte government has started deploying another batch of 55 nurses in public health facilities of the province.

This came after the first batch of nurses hired under the “Sagip Nars” program of the Ilocos Norte government finished their six-month contract last June, this year. (PNA)