600 Army soldiers, medical frontliners get first jab of COVID-19 vaccine

LUCENA CITY – At least 600 soldiers and medical frontliners from the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division received the first dose of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines on March 13.

Captain Jayrald Ternio, chief of the 2nd ID public affairs office, in a press statement said the military hospital has 1,200 vials of Sinovac vaccines that will be injected to the recipients in two doses in an interval of 28 days based on the guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Brigadier General Rommel Tello, 2nd ID deputy commander, was the first to receive the vaccine during the symbolic vaccination rollout ceremony held at Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal.

Tello recognized the soldiers and the medical frontliners for the sacrifices and devotion in the fight against the pandemic.

He thanked the local government of Tanay for its support in safekeeping and storage of the COVID-19 vaccines developed by Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac Biotech Ltd.

Tello told everyone not to be afraid and reminded that the best vaccine is the one that is available and ready.

“Let us move forward in ending the pandemic by taking the vaccine at hand so that we will be able to perform our mandate to serve the people with confidence and without hesitation of getting infected. So, roll up your sleeves and get it,” he said.

Mayor Rex Manuel Tanjuatco praised the soldiers for choosing to be inoculated as they need the jabs as frontline forces.

“The vaccines underwent a thorough study to pass necessary requirements of FDA (Food and Drugs Administration), thus, shows efficacy against the contagious disease and brings hope to our people,” Tanjuatco said.

Tello assured the public that despite vaccine rollout among the military, soldiers will continue to exercise the minimum health standards such as wearing of face masks and shield, maintaining physical distancing, and proper hygiene and sanitation among others.

Ternio said pre-screening on the condition of the soldiers that include medical history, allergies, comorbidity as well as post-evaluation was conducted before the vaccination.

The recipients will be subjected to strict monitoring against any untoward Adverse Effects Following Immunization (AEFI) and also validate the results of the vaccine.