24 public schools in QC to be used as COVID-19 inoculation sites

The local government of Quezon City on Saturday said it intensified preparations at 24 public schools that would be used as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) inoculation sites.

In a statement, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said public schools were chosen as they had ample space that would ensure free movement and allow the implementation of social distancing measures.

“They are also the nearest venues from our health centers, where the vaccines coming from Zuellig to our cold storage facility will be stored,” she said.

The local government said each inoculation site will have a waiting area, registration area, counseling area, screening area, vaccination room, and an observation room.

Dr. Esperanza Anita Ascaño-Arias, the QC Health Department chief, said the vaccine cannot be exposed to direct sunlight as it was very sensitive.

"To avoid wastage of the vaccine, the vaccination itself should take place in a covered facility. The vaccine is very sensitive lalo na kapag naarawan," she said.

Twenty-two employees, composed of physicians, marshals, vaccinators, counselors, and admin staff, will each be stationed per vaccination site.

A generator and an ambulance would also be on standby.

The local government said more inoculation sites will be added as it finalizes its talks with the Diocese of Cubao and Diocese of Novaliches who offered their parishes as venues.

Quezon City secured 1.1 million doses of the AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine for its residents. — DVM, GMA News