PH launches COVID-19 vaccination program with Sinovac shots

The Philippines officially began its national COVID-19 vaccination program on March 1, 2021, administering the first Sinovac vaccine shots donated by China.

Philippine General Hospital director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi received the first vaccine, noting that about 96 individuals were vaccinated in the first hour, exceeding expectations.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez emphasized the importance of available vaccines, stating, "Let's not wait for the best vaccine. There's no such thing."

Thousands of Sinovac doses have arrived in Cebu (7,200) and Davao (12,000), with vaccination rollouts expected on Thursday and Friday respectively.

The government aims to secure 148 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to vaccinate up to 70 million Filipinos this year.

Initial vaccinations prioritize frontline health workers, followed by indigent senior citizens, the rest of the indigent population, and uniformed personnel.