The provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur is enjoining all Zambosurians to respond to the urgent call of the times by getting themselves vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Gov. Victor Yu made the call Wednesday as the province is poised to celebrate its 69th founding anniversary on Friday by putting emphasis on the importance of vaccination.

Yu said Pfizer shots were administered Wednesday to pre-registered individuals as well as first and second doses of AstraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines at the provincial covered court.

He said the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) received 1,200 doses of Pfizer vaccine for qualified members of the A1, A2, A3, and A5 priority groups that consist of the health care workers, senior citizens, persons with comorbidity and the indigent, respectively.

He noted that hundreds of individuals under these groups were also administered with the first and second doses of Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines in the same venue on Tuesday, while Pfizer vaccine was also given to identified recipients at the rural health units.

“Zamboanga del Sur is raising its target Covid-19 vaccination coverage in order to achieve the desired herd immunity against the viral disease,” Yu said.

He announced earlier that 10,000 more doses of vaccines are set to arrive in the province courtesy of Secretary Carlito Galvez, the country’s vaccine czar.

Department of Health (DOH) – Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) data showed that Zamboanga del Sur has 9,187 total confirmed cases of Covid-19 with 6,139 recoveries, 2,779 active cases, and 269 deaths as of Sept. 13.

Meanwhile, Jeesrel Himang, Zamboanga del Sur provincial information officer, said the province’s 69th founding anniversary celebration will be held virtually due to the prevailing health crisis.

This year’s theme is “Sa Paglipad ng Zamboanga del Sur, Bida ang Bakunadong Zambosurians.”

Malacañang has declared Sept. 17 as special non-working day in the province. (PNA)