Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto received his first COVID-19 vaccine dose on Saturday, May 22. The mayor clearly stated that "hindi na ako nakihati sa dami ng humihingi ng Pfizer," on a Facebook post announcing his first dose—a reference to the folks missing out on their chance to get vaccinated ASAP due to the brand of available. In case you're wondering though, Sotto was given AstraZeneca as vaccinee number 57,858.
"Bakit pa? Eh ganun din naman 'yon," Sotto said, explaining his decision to get what's immediately available. "Lahat ng aprubadong brand, nasa 100% ang proteksyon sa severe at bumababa ang tsansa na makapanghawa kung magkasakit man ang nabakunahan na."
Sotto explained that although mayors are part of the A1 priority sector, he gave way to those who needed it more.
"Gusto ko naman talagang magpabakuna, pero lagi kong naiisip na may mga mas dapat unahin na high risk, katulad ng seniors," he said. "Pero napagtanto ko na ang pagbabakuna ay hindi lang para sa sarili ko, kundi para sa lahat ng nakakasalamuha ko."
Sotto reminded the public to prepare themselves while waiting to be vaccinated and listen only to experts, not to "forwarded messages" on Viber.
The Push for "Brand Agnostic" Vaccines
The vaccine by U.S.-based pharmaceutical corporation Pfizer seems to be the most sought-after brand locally. After the local governments of Manila and Parañaque announced the availability of Pfizer vaccines in mid-May, residents flocked to vaccination centers at higher rates then ever before for a chance to get that specific jab.
This crowding at centers resulted in the Department of Health calling to enforce a "brand agnostic" method of vaccination, said Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje on May 19. They called for local governments to stop announcing what type of vaccines are available in an effort to get residents vaccinated, regardless of brand.
Meanwhile, Sotto has spoken up on the issue, saying that "as a transparency advocate, a good governance advocate...it's important that we let people know, or try to convince them, na kahit anong brand, basta meron, kaysa wala," he said.
Main image from Facebook / Vico Sotto
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