Rama, 3 councilors get vaccine

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama and three city councilors were among the 1,125 senior citizens in the city who received their COVID-19 vaccine yesterday.

Rama and councilors Lea Japson, Raul Alcoseba, and Joy Augustus Young received their first dose of the Sinovac vaccine.

Rama hoped that more people would be convinced to get vaccinated, especially the senior citizens, through his example.

“It's something like we have to do it and I have to do it because I have already made a statement long time ago sa press conference that any vaccination that would be coming in the open, I am always willing. Now, I'm here and thank God I'm done,” he said.

He described his COVID-19 vaccination experience as “just like any injection.”

He stressed, however, that even if an individual is already administered with the vaccine, minimum health protocols such as wearing of facemask and face shield, regular washing of hands, and social distancing, among others, should still be strictly observed.

Rama and Mayor Edgardo Labella have been vocal about their willingness to be vaccinated to set as example not just to the elderly but to the general public.

Labella is yet to announce when he will be vaccinated.

It was earlier reported that the mayor said his doctor advised him to get AstraZeneca vaccine, instead of Sinovac vaccine.

Labella had reportedly coordinated with the City Health Department and was assured he will receive AstraZeneca shot.

CHD officer-in-charge Jeffrey Ibones earlier said that the city will be using 5,000 doses of Sinovac vaccines for seniors.

Winning over fear

Meanwhile, Japson admitted that just like the others, she was also scared to submit herself for vaccination.

“Ako lang message sa tanan nga katong mahadlok, pareho ra ta. At first, mahadlok ta, it's because sa vaccine nga bag-o unya daghan tang madunggan... So, ako lang, kita tanan magpa-vaccine gyud ta so that kung matakdan man gali ta'g COVID, dili gyud severe, nga dili ta moabot adtong punto nga dili nata kaginhawa, kanang dili mograbe jud,” she said.

Japson shared she has not felt any side effect so far.

Young described his experience as “could not be described by words,” considering that it was his first time getting the vaccine.

Just like Japson, he said he decided to have himself vaccinated to inspire residents to avail of the vaccine.

“Para nako, we have to send a message to the people, nga magpa-vaccinate ta. Hunahunaa kung di pa ta ma-back to normal, luoy kaayo ang mga tawo jud... Ilabi tong mga pobre ba. Lisod kaayo. We have to go back to normal and the only way to do that is at least karon magpa-vaccinate ta,” said Young.

Alcoseba, for his part, said that while he understands that there are really apprehensions, seniors must get the jab.

Councilors Donaldo Hontiveros, Jerry Guardo, and Franklyn Ong were also present at the vaccination site to show support to their fellow councilors.

Cebu City’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout for senior citizens started Monday, April 19, in two vaccination sites – Robinsons Galleria and University of Cebu Banilad Campus. So far, a total of 1,759 Cebu City seniors have already been vaccinated.

Ibones urged the elderly to register online first at https://mics.cebucity.gov.ph/vims/page/register and wait for feedback on their schedule through phone call or text message.

The seniors who registered for the rollout are being scheduled to ensure smooth flow of the proceedings.

“Amoa diri sa vaccination site, og kinsa to'y moari, dawaton namo basta gi-schedule daan,” said Ibones. — JMD (FREEMAN)