As the national government launched bivalent COVID-19 vaccination in the Philippines, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa became the first recipient in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The commencement of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccination on Wednesday at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City.
The newly-appointed Health Ministry chief presided over the event that was graced by President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. himself.
After the vaccination, Herbosa shared that his blood pressure went up.
"Mataas daw BP ko after the injection, 160 eh so pinaupo ako. Huwag daw akong tumayo," he told reporters in the event.
Earlier this month, the Philippines received a donation of over 390,000 bivalent vaccine doses from Lithuania, which will remain valid until November.
According to the latest data from the DOH, more than 79.1 million individuals have completed their COVID-19 vaccination, but only 24.1 million people have received booster shots.
Negotiations are now underway for the acquisition of more bivalent vaccines, according to Herbosa, who also admitted that the donated ones are not enough.
"Definitely kulang no, we're actually happy na mayroong dumating. If you remember, OIC Usec. [Maria Rosario] Vergeire was saying dadating earlier and then naantala, napunta sa ibang bansa. Tapos buti na lang ang Lithuania binigyan tayo," Herbosa said.
"The negotiation for the next million doses is continuing and we will acquire the subsequent doses both from COVAX at also 'yung procurement na bibilhin natin para lahat ng elderly at vulnerable ma-cover natin," he added.
