Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos has received his second and last dose of CoronaVac, the vaccine brand made by China-based Sinovac Biotech Ltd.
Abalos confirmed this during a chance interview Wednesday morning, April 14 at the MMDA Parking Area in Guadalupe, Makati City where the initial vaccination of some 200 agency frontliners was held.
"OK naman ako, kumpleto naman ako. Naka-two doses na (I'm OK, I've completed it. I've received two doses)," Abalos told reporters.
This means that the MMDA chief now has "full protection" against the dreaded coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as far as modern medicine is concerned.
Despite this, Abalos, who survived a bout with COVID-19 in July 2020, was still very mindful of minimum public health standards (MPHS) during Wednesday's event. He wore a face mask, face shield, and even told journalists to observe physical distancing.
Abalos received his first shot of CoronaVac on March 1 at Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Quezon City. He was among the first government officials to do so.
He said that he volunteered to get vaccinated to help ease the public’s anxiety over COVID vaccines, particularly those coming from China.
The former Mandaluyong City mayor said the two doses of CoronaVac is usually taken with a four-week interval. He did not specify when he received his second dose.
Abalos said after his first dose that he felt good and was able to eat and sleep well.