Nearly 1,500 individuals listed up to receive their first vaccine dose against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at a scheduled immunization Wednesday, June 2 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City.
The vaccination began at around 9 a.m. at NAIA Terminal 4. CoronaVac, the vaccine manufactured by Sinovac Biotech Ltd. of China, was used on the individuals.
The event primarily covered NAIA personnel and those assigned at the One Stop Shop for the Management of Returning Overseas Filipino Workers.
But Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal said the list of vaccinees also included employees from MIAA, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Tourism (DOT), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Philippine National Police (PNP), among others.
"We are hoping to vaccinate all personnel today, and we are ready to extend the vaccination if needed," Monreal said.
The airport offical underscored the importance of immediately grabbing the opportunity to get inoculated from COVID-19.
"Nananawagan ako sa iba pang mga airport personnel na 'wag nang maging pasaway, magpabakuna na. Dahil kung hindi, kayo ang mawawalan ng pagkakataon na mabakunahan (I appeal to the other airport personnel not to disobey orders, get vaccinated. If not, you will lose your chance to get vaccinated)," he said.
"'Wag na mamili kung ano ang nandiyan dahil lahat naman yan ay dumaan sa pagsusuri ng mga eksperto bago ibigay sa publiko (Don't be choosy with the vaccines because all of those underwent research from experts before they were released to the public)," Monreal said.