By Mary Licel Biscocho and Maxine Alessandra Turiano

Far Eastern University (FEU) Manila vaccination efforts continued as approximately half of its staff received their first dose of vaccines against COVID-19, as of August 31. 

Out of the 488 FEU Manila employees, 339 are fully vaccinated while 149 are partially vaccinated, amounting to 53.2% of the university’s total workforce receiving at least one dose against COVID-19.

Director of the University Health Services (UHS) Dr. Desiree E. Chiongson shared to FEU Advocate that the University has partnered with Zuellig Pharma Corporation and Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health) to acquire and administer Moderna vaccines for the full-time faculty and employees of the FEU Group of Schools.

"With respect to FEU, we are concentrating on vaccinating faculty and employees to augment the local government unit (LGU)s’ efforts," she stated.

Further, the University opened a portion of its campus in Alabang as a vaccination center not only for the FEU Community but for the public as well.

However, the supply of vaccines still depends on the arrival of orders. According to Chiongson, policies on purchasing vaccines are currently highly restrictive, hence decelerating the rate of vaccination. 

Nevertheless, the UHS amplified its efforts by improving its facilities, personal monitoring and tracking cases within the University, and ensuring the availability of medicines and consultation services.

In addition, FEU introduced "This Is Your Shot", a campaign designed to empower staff to be well-informed and vaccine-ready. The campaign also encourages the FEU community and the general public to procure the available COVID-19 vaccines to aid in the shared fight against the pandemic. 

The University also launched its "Tams Track App" to monitor the daily health status of its employees and faculty whether they are in the University premises or on Work from Home status.

Vaccination of FEU’s priority group, which includes faculty members, both full-time regular and lecturers, began last July 8th.

Limited face-to-face classes

In line with the continuing vaccination efforts, FEU formed a Crisis Management Committee to plan out the possibility of limited face-to-face classes come the second semester of Academic Year 2021-2022.

Priority will be given to health-related degree programs such as Nursing and Medical Technology as per the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Health (DOH) guidelines. 

“Steps are still being finalized with regard to conducting limited face-to-face classes. UHS shares its medical expertise in ensuring that utmost health and safety protocols will be implemented and observed,” Chiongson explained.

Last August 24, the University already submitted its proposed Student Affairs and Services (SAS) Continuity Plan in compliance with CHED's Memorandum Order on the delivery of flexible SAS programs.

In line with this, Generoso Pamittan Jr., Assistant Vice President for Academic Services, stressed that although only limited students will go back to campus, the Office of Academic Services will make sure that all academic and student service units continuously provide flexible assistance to students.

To date, UHS still provides online medical consultation and assistance for FEU students who have any medical-related concerns.

As of writing, FEU Manila recorded a total of 176 COVID-19 cases among its faculty, employees, personnel, and students.

(Photo courtesy of Far Eastern University)