Sinovac vaccines arrive in Philippines, start inoculation program

The first shipment of 600,000 Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine doses arrived in the Philippines on Sunday, making it the last country in Southeast Asia to receive a legitimate vaccine shipment.

Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. stated that this marks the start of the country's inoculation program with vaccinations set to begin at several Metro Manila hospitals on Monday.

President Duterte is scheduled to personally receive the shipment, and both Galvez and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III are expected to get vaccinated on Monday morning to encourage public trust.

A recent OCTA Research poll found that only 20% of Filipinos are willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine due to safety concerns.