Defensor willing to get COVID-19 vaccine first to allay public fears

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. is willing to be among the first to receive the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine.

In a media interview, Defensor said he would go first in line for the vaccine once it becomes available and approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This is to allay fears of the public towards vaccination, the governor told local reporters.

“Ako anay una mapabakuna sang COVID-19 vaccine bag-o ang mga pumuluyo sa probinsya. Indi ko sila pagpakunahan kon indi ako makauna pa-inject,” said Defensor.

On Jan. 10, the provincial government signed a multilateral agreement with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Philippines Inc. , and the national government for the advance purchase of COVID-19 vaccines.

Defensor said they set aside P95 million for the purchase of the vaccines.

According to him, the vaccine priority list includes, among others, healthcare workers such as those in capitol-run health facilities, local government unit (LGU) contact tracers, and barangay workers.

The governor ordered the Provincial Health Office (PHO) to conduct a massive information and education campaign to regain public trust on the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

“The best strategy is mapa-intindi mo ang tawo para magpasugot sila,” said Defensor.IMT