Malacañang announced the COVID-19 vaccines developed by AstraZeneca as part of the initial allocation from the COVAX Facility will arrive in the country on Thursday.
“This is to confirm that the Philippines is set to receive 487,200 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines tomorrow, March 4, 2021, 7:30PM, as part of the first round of allocated doses from the COVAX facility,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque stated on Wednesday.
“AstraZeneca’s expected time of arrival is based on the scheduled handover of vaccines. We will notify everyone, if and when there is a change of schedule,” Sec. Roque added.
Senator Christopher Go relayed that President Rodrigo Duterte will personally witness the arrival of vaccines at the Villamor Airbase.
“Para naman makita rin po ng taong bayan na si Pangulong Duterte ay mismong nagtitiwala. Ang bakuna lamang po ang tanging susi para makabalik tayo sa normal nating pamumuhay (This is to show the public that President Duterte himself is confident about it. The vaccine is the only key to return to normal situation),” Sen. Go said.
Healthcare workers now have the option which vaccine will be administered to them aside from the one developed by Sinovac Biotech.
The arrival of vaccines from the COVAX Facility was initially delayed due to logistical and supply concerns.
Meanwhile, Sen. Go affirmed that the inoculation of select officials with CoronaVac proves that the vaccine is safe. The official rollout of vaccination began on Monday with the vaccine donated by the government of China. – Report from Mela Lesmoras and Allan Francisco
