Malacaῆang on Wednesday said President Rodrigo Duterte will personally witness the arrival of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines donated by China.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, the move is in recognition of the assistance provided by China amid the prevailing health crisis.
“Alam mo Pilipino tayo, tumatanaw tayo ng utang na loob. Sa ating panahon ng pangangailangan, talaga naman iyong kaibigan nating Tsina ang nagpadala ng unang bakuna sa atin (We Filipinos are keen in showing debt of gratitude. Our friend, China, was the first to send vaccines in our time of need),” he pointed out.
“Magkakaroon siguro ng kaunting seremonya dahil ito po ay donated by (the) People’s Republic of China (There might be a small ceremony since the vaccines are donated by the People’s Republic of China),” he shared.
Although Sinovac vaccine is not recommended for the president, Sec. Roque disclosed cabinet members are expected to be initially administered with it to boost vaccine confidence.
Sinovac Biotech General Manager Helen Yang shared the vaccines will be arriving very soon since preparations are being made and may be delivered “this week or next week.” Yang said no fatalities or severe side effects were reported from the 12 countries using Sinovac vaccine.
“The common side effects and similar for the vaccine being used in the country for rollout, the campaign as well as the trial that there is muscle pain that is due to the aluminum hydroxide which is adjuvant in the vaccine. So people just feel muscle pain after getting vaccination but it can go over after a day,” Yang assured.
In a separate briefing, Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Eric Domingo clarified that Sinovac vaccines can still be administered to healthcare workers although it is not recommended. The said vaccine only has 50.4% efficacy for people exposed to the virus. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
