Philippines begins COVID-19 vaccination with Sinovac jabs

The Philippines commenced its COVID-19 vaccination program on March 1, 2021, using 600,000 Sinovac vaccine doses from China.

A total of 756 people were inoculated on the first day, a figure Health Secretary Francisco Duque III described as "quite satisfactory."

Symbolic vaccinations took place in Metro Manila hospitals, with UP-PGH Director Gerardo Legaspi being the first official recipient.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque described the first day as "very successful," noting that medical front-liners now have "peace of mind" with some protection against the virus.

Dr. Legaspi reported that the Sinovac jab "went well" for him, with only minor shoulder soreness.

The PGH has around 6,300 staff eligible for vaccination, with about 200 potentially inoculated on the second day.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. had urged the public not to wait for other vaccine brands, stating that the best vaccine is the one that is safe, efficient, and arrives earliest.

Despite initial concerns over its efficacy rate, government officials received Sinovac doses to encourage public confidence.

Galvez stated that 161 million vaccine doses are expected this year.