Makati gov’t: No choice but to use vaccine available

This is in response to a letter from Mr. Ed Dames published in the Inquirer (“No to Sinovac,” 4/19/21).

We wish to point out that at present, Sinovac is the only available vaccine brand that we have received from the national government through the Department of Health (DOH). The AstraZeneca supplies earlier provided by the DOH were used for our medical frontliners, in keeping with the priority list prepared by the national government.

As of April 7, the DOH and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have allowed the use of Sinovac for senior citizens, subject to health evaluation. In light of the increase in positive cases and deaths, mostly among the elderly, we proceeded with using the available vaccines for the ongoing vaccination of senior citizens and residents with comorbidities.

While we respect Mr. Dames’ decision to wait until AstraZeneca becomes available, we want to emphasize that his statement directed at the city government is erroneous and misplaced.

The 1 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines ordered by the city government are expected to arrive during the third quarter of the year. Before then, we have to rely on the vaccines being provided by the national government.

This situation is not unique to Makati, as all other local governments who have purchased vaccines are waiting for deliveries and are vaccinating their residents with whatever brands are provided by the DOH.

VRGEL P. BINAY, MD, FPCS, FPSGS, MBAH
Officer in Charge
Makati Health Department