Abalos lauds LGUs, private hospitals in ensuring smooth administration of vaccines

Vaccination rollout of Sputnik V in Muntinlupa City with MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos (second from right) and Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (right). (Photo courtesy of MMDA)

PASIG CITY, May 6 (PIA) -- Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairperson Benhur Abalos has lauded the local government units (LGUs) and private hospitals in ensuring the smooth administration of COVID-19 vaccines to qualified priority individuals. 

During the Sputnik V vaccine rollout in Muntinlupa City on Wednesday, Abalos lauded the collaboration of the LGUs and private hospitals in ensuring smooth administration of the vaccine, which needs to be kept at negative 18 degree Celsius to maintain efficacy.

Abalos also made the pronouncement that Metro Manila is ready for the influx of vaccines coming from different countries.

The Sputnik V is developed by Russian medical-research institute Gamaleya National Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, and was issued Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration last March.

Meanwhile, the Muntinlupa City Government held the ceremonial vaccination at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) field tent and the Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC) Tower 2.

According to the City Government, about 380 residents are targeted to be vaccinated with Sputnik V who pre-registered and signed up with Muntinlupa’s COVID-19 Vaccination Registration System earlier, and who belong to priority groups A2 (senior citizens) and A3 (persons with comorbidities).

Of the total, 250 will be inoculated at Osmun and 130 at Asian Hospital.

Meanwhile, Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi thanked the National Government for selecting city as one of the five pilot sites for the Sputnik V rollout.

“This ceremonial roll-out signifies a step closer in returning to our normal lives. We are grateful to the national government for donating additional vaccines to our city as this will help us reach our target of achieving herd immunity as soon as possible. I encourage all Muntinlupeños to avail of the vaccination program of the government because this is a vital step in curbing the pandemic,” said Fresnedi.

Muntinlupa received 3,000 doses of Sputnik V on May 3, which are being stored at OsMun and AHMC. (PIA NCR)

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)