Philippines begins COVID-19 vaccination drive with 756 doses

The Philippines began its COVID-19 vaccination drive on Monday, March 1, administering a total of 756 doses by the end of the day.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III described the rollout as 'quite satisfactory', highlighting the pride and joy among healthcare workers receiving their first shots.

Despite initial optimism, public sentiment towards the Sinovac vaccine is mixed due to perceptions that other vaccines like Pfizer and AstraZeneca are more effective.

At two major hospitals in Metro Manila, fewer staff members were vaccinated than those who had signed up for the inoculation, with only 85 out of 1,165 at one hospital receiving the shot.

The first legal vaccine administration was carried out by nurse Charleuck Santos to Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, director of UP-Philippine General Hospital, marking a historic moment in the country's fight against the pandemic.