‘Hypertensive’ Robredo won’t get COVID-19 vaccine yet due to lack of supply

Despite being diagnosed with hypertension, Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday said she will not avail of any vaccines against COVID-19 yet due to the lack of supplies in the Philippines.

“I’m qualified already kasi hypertensive ako. I belong to A3 [category] pero hindi pa ako nagpapa-vaccinate kasi kulang pa ng supply eh,” Robredo said in interview with ANC.

(I'm already qualified because I am hypertensive. I belong to the A3 category but I don't want to get vaccinated yet because of the lack of supply.)

The A3 category includes those who have comorbidities.

The Vice President added she is not particular to any COVID-19 vaccine brand, saying she will follow the recommendations of the Department of Health and the Food and Drug Administration.

Robredo also explained that her office wanted to give the COVID-19 shots to her staff members and drivers who are always visiting different communities.

Several mayors in Metro Manila have been inoculated with vaccines against COVID-19 after President Rodrigo Duterte allowed the inoculation of local chief executives in high-risk cities and towns.

Among the inoculated local chief executives are Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian, and Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi.

In February, Duterte said he is still waiting for a clearance from his doctors before he can get his COVID-19 vaccine shot. 

Based on the prioritization list set by the national government, the vaccination rollout in the country will start with frontline health workers, followed by indigent senior citizens, persons with comorbidities, remaining senior citizens, remaining indigent population, and uniformed personnel. — RSJ, GMA News