Macau officially started its COVID-19 vaccination plan on 9 February, with a total of 595 residents receiving the jab of 4,033 who registered.
The Chief Executive, Ho Iat Seng, received Macau’s first vaccine in order to display a positive image and increase residents’ confidence on the safety of vaccines.
“I feel well after taking the vaccine, it’s work as usual,” Ho told media afterwards.
The Sinopharm vaccine the Chief Executive received was part of the first batch of 100,000 vaccines imported from mainland China last Saturday. Other major officials, including four of Macau’s Secretaries and the Director of the Health Bureau, Lei Chin Ion, also received the vaccines at the same time.
The first phase of the vaccination plan is prioritized for frontline health personnel, those in high exposure occupations and people who need to travel to high-risk areas. Director Lei said about 1,300 health personnel have registered to receive vaccines so far.
“We hope that residents can receive the vaccine as much as possible. Experts believe the efficacy of the vaccine needs to reach at least 50% vaccination rate among the entire population,” he stated.
The Macau government has also purchased group insurance for those aged between 16 and 85 and who receive the vaccine. Regardless of gender or health status, if anyone shows adverse reactions or side effects within 90 days of receiving their dose they will be compensated by up to MOP$1million.
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