90 percent of those who registered for vaccination in Marikina backed out

Local governments have already started vaccinating frontline medical workers but strong encouragement is still needed to convince the majority.

In Marikina City, only 120 health workers of the Father Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center (ARMMC) showed up to launch the LGU’s vaccination program.

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According to the hospital chief, 1,200 registered, but this was when the first expected vaccine was Pfizer and not CoronaVac of Sinovac Biotech from China.

“Nanghihinayang ako, sana ito na iyong opportunity na soonest available vaccine, dapat i-grab na natin di ba?” said Dr. Imelda Mateo, chief of the hospital.

Even though 90 percent backed out, ARMMC still hopes to attract more next week.

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Mateo says more senior doctors in Marikina are willing to be vaccinated with CoronaVac. However, the vaccine is not recommended for those who are 60 years old and above.

Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro was also affected who wanted to be injected with the vaccine to attract health care workers but President Rodrigo Duterte did not allow it.

90 percent of those who registered for vaccination in Marikina backed out

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez explains: “Pasensiya na po kayo… Nag-decide na po ang Presidente na unahin muna natin ang health care workers at sabihin sa mga mayor na siguro pag marami na tayong vaccine, they can start na.”

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In Manila, it is also forbidden to vaccinate Mayor Isko Moreno but because Vice Mayor Honey Lacuña is a doctor, she was vaccinated, along with other medical frontliners.

The local government of  City on Tuesday also began its COVID-19  program. However, only half of the 300 slots were filled as many of its health workers are still hesitant to receive Chinese-made CoronaVac.

As of 10:30 in the morning, 153 health workers from Pasig City Children’s Hospital (PCCH) and Pasig City General Hospital (PCGH) have been injected with Sinovac vaccines. PCCH acting administrator Arlene Samonte said 147 vaccination slots are still open.

Several healthcare workers were hesitant to receive CoronaVac after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that it may not be suitable for health workers exposed to the virus as the Sinovac vaccine has a “lower efficacy rate of 50.4 percent.”