Manila Mayor Ready to Receive Sinovac COVID-19 Vaccine

Strategic Insights -

Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso has expressed his willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine from Chinese biopharmaceutical company Sinovac, citing the vaccine's Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a key factor in his decision. Domagoso's announcement comes after weeks of scrutiny over the administration's preference for the Sinovac vaccine despite reports of its lower efficacy rate and higher cost compared to other COVID-19 vaccines. In a meeting with the Manila City Council, Domagoso encouraged residents to get vaccinated with whichever brand of FDA-certified COVID-19 vaccine arrives the earliest.

Key Takeaways:

  • Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso has expressed his readiness to receive the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine, citing the vaccine's EUA from the FDA as a key factor in his decision.
  • Domagoso encouraged residents to get vaccinated with whichever brand of FDA-certified COVID-19 vaccine arrives the earliest, citing a personal preference for getting vaccinated even if the vaccine is only at 50-percent efficacy.
  • The Mayor stated that he would use the Sinovac vaccine, as it has been certified by the government agency and the FDA under Executive Order 121 that it should secure an EUA.
  • Domagoso's announcement comes after weeks of scrutiny over the administration's preference for the Sinovac vaccine despite reports of its lower efficacy rate and higher cost compared to other COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Malacanang has denied claims that they preferred the Sinovac vaccine, stating that they got the vaccines at a much cheaper price and that Filipinos should not be "choosy" with COVID-19 vaccine brands.
  • Domagoso's statement also echoes that of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who publicly received a Sinovac vaccine dose, which reportedly influenced the Mayor's decision to consider getting vaccinated with it.

Statistics:

  • The Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine received an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA on Monday, February 22.
  • Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso expressed his readiness to receive the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine in a meeting with the Manila City Council on February 22.
  • The Mayor stated that he would get vaccinated even if the vaccine is only at 50-percent efficacy.
  • The Sinovac vaccine has reportedly been certified by the government agency and the FDA under Executive Order 121 that it should secure an EUA.
  • Indonesian President Joko Widodo publicly received a Sinovac vaccine dose on an unspecified date.

Sources:

  • "Manila Mayor 'Isko Moreno' ready to receive Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine." Manila Bulletin, February 22, 2021.
  • "Manila Mayor Isko Moreno says he's willing to get vaccinated with Sinovac." Rappler, February 22, 2021.
  • "Malacanang denies preference for Sinovac vaccine, says Filipinos should not be 'choosy'." Philippine Daily Inquirer, February 15, 2021.
  • "Indonesian President Joko Widodo receives Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine." Reuters, January 13, 2021.