Over 500,000 have received first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, says DOH

A total of 508,332 people in the Philippines have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine as of March 23, data from the Department of Health (DOH) showed Wednesday.

This figure accounts for 62% of the doses allocated for the first jab.

The DOH also said 98% of the initial 1,125,600 doses have been rolled out to 1,759 vaccination sites nationwide.

An additional 400,000 Sinovac doses donated by the Chinese government were delivered to the country early Wednesday morning. 

“We are sure to protect more healthcare workers,” the DOH said.

The vaccination program has drawn controversy after several mayors received a COVID-19 jab despite not being health workers, who are the top priority. 

The World Health Organization previously warned the Philippines that it could lose its supply of vaccines from the COVAX Facility if the priority list is not followed.

The DOH urged the public to report individuals jumping the line for vaccination to the hotline 8651-7800 local 2527.  — BM, GMA News