A seafarer vaccination center opened Monday in Mandaue City, Cebu to accommodate those already scheduled to travel abroad. (Contributed)
A seafarer vaccination center has been set up in Mandaue City, Cebu to prioritize inoculation of the sector and other overseas Filipino workers bound for travel abroad amidst the raging pandemic.
The center was set-up in Mandaue City since the Amosup Seamen’s Hospital is located in Cebu City.
The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) in Central Visayas, Amosup Seamen’s (AMOSUP) Hospital – Cebu, Department of Health (DOH)4 and the local government of Mandaue City organized the vaccination center which opened on August 2.
The DOH in Central Visayas has allocated 3,000 doses of Moderna vaccines for 1,500 seafarers required to register for vaccination through their local manning agency (LMA).
The LMAs will submit the list to Marina and inform the seafarers of their schedule for vaccination.
Marina said no walk-ins are allowed to ensure observance of health protocols and the availability of vaccines per schedule.
The Amosup Hospital can only accommodate 200 seafarers per day on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Majority of the seafarers requested Western-brand vaccines after most international shipping companies preferred these brands for their work requirements.
President Rodrigo Duterte said in June that seafarers would be given vaccine preference as “their work requires” these brands before redeployment. Ryan Sorote