By Emmanuel T. Erediano
Variety News Staff

THE Department of Public Health will be giving anti-flu vaccinations on Tinian and Rota next month.
Public Health Deputy Secretary Lyn Tenorio said they are now conducting an inventory of flu vaccine and communicating with local health authorities on Tinian and Rota in preparation for the mass vaccination in the first week of February.
On Saipan, a mass vaccination was held at Garapan Elementary School on Dec. 16, and it was described by Public Health as “successful.”
Public Health prepared only 2,000 doses but 2,578 individuals showed up for the free flu shots.
Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez had to call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and request additional doses.
The federal agency sent 2,000 more doses.
Tenorio said Tinian and Rota have small populations so the target number of doses is going to be less.
Still, she added, they should have 3,000 doses since those left after the December vaccinations on Saipan have already been used.
She said 2,500 doses of flue vaccine arrived two weeks ago.
According to Tenorio, they will mobilize the medical staff on Tinian and Rota.
Aside from giving the community protection from flu, Public Health also considers mass immunization as a first step in preparing for a pandemic outbreak.