730 athletes, coaches get COVID-19 vaccine for SEA Games

Around 730 national athletes and coaches bound for the Hanoi Southeast Asian (SEA) Games received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, with over half receiving Sinovac shots.

The vaccination program was facilitated by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) in partnership with the local government of Manila and the national government at the Manila Prince Hotel.

The national government has approved the inoculation of all national athletes and coaches in the national team and pool on the Philippine Sports Commission roster, including those not bound for the SEA Games.

This expanded vaccination program aims to allow athletes to train better and ensure the Philippines' best possible representation in upcoming sporting events.

The initiative also adheres to the Vietnam SEA Games Organizing Committee's 'no vaccine, no participation' policy for the Hanoi Games.

Those who missed the initial vaccination, including athletes and coaches who were provincial or abroad, will be included in the next round.

POC President Bambol Tolentino expressed gratitude to the government for prioritizing athletes and coaches in the vaccine rollout.