SWU Medical Center workers get vaccinated

A doctor from the Southwestern University (SWU) Medical Center receives her first dose of the Sinovac Vaccine on Thursday, March 11, 2021. CDN Digital photo | Futch Anthony Inso

CEBU CITY, Philippines—The Southwestern University (SWU) Medical Center started its Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine rollout on Thursday, March 11, 2021. 

During their ceremonial vaccination on Thursday morning, Raymond “Onek” Priagula, the vice-president for the operation of SWU Medical Center, was the first to receive a dose of the Sinovac vaccine.

He said that out of 227 medical workers of SWU Medical Center, 137 of them signified their intention to receive the vaccine.

Priagula, however, clarified that the remaining workers did not turn down the offer to be vaccinated but were only hesitant because they preferred another brand of the vaccine.

“Actually they are already convinced to be vaccinated. It is just that when the interview was done, I think that was three weeks ago, they were hesitant. But if you ask the people now, they are actually willing,” Priagula said, adding that they would wait for the Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) to replenish the supply of the vaccine once the first and second doses will already be administered to their health workers.

Priagula added that they are targeting to finish the first dose of vaccination in three days. He added that after 28 days, the second dose of the vaccine will be administered.

Now that he already received the first dose of the vaccine, Priagula said that he is more confident to serve their patients.

“It is a combination of excitement, but after right now, everything went smooth. So I would like to thank the DOH for providing the vaccine. We are more confident now to serve everyone.” he said. 

Read: UCMed leads COVID-19 rollout in Mandaue City

/bmjo