NEGROS Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson along with several mayors and provincial board members have formally received their first doses of Covid-19 vaccines Friday morning, April 30, 2021, at the Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City.

Lacson was inoculated with the first dose of the Sinovac jab. Prior to his vaccination, Lacson said he would choose the Sinovac vaccine instead of the AstraZeneca vaccine as it is unclear if there would be an available second dose of the AstraZeneca jab.

Aside from Lacson, Board Members Pal Guanzon, Samson Mirhan, Victor Javellana, Araceli Somoso and Manuel Frederick Ko also received their first doses of the Sinovac vaccines.

The board members were supposed to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine, however, Lacson said the Sinovac was the only jab at the hospital during the event.

They were then followed by Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo; Manapla town Mayor Manolet Escalante; Kabankalan City Mayor Pedro Zayco; La Castellana town Mayor Rhumylla Nicor-Mangilimutan; and Cauayan town Mayor John Rey Tabujara.

Hinoba-an town Mayor Ernesto Estrao was also present in the event, however, his vaccination was rescheduled after a pre-vaccination check-up showed that he had high blood pressure.

For the officials of the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena also received his first jab, along with four other senior citizens.

The vaccination was also overseen by Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, provincial health officer of Negros Occidental.

"It is one jab to heal humanity," Lacson commented after receiving the vaccine and being placed on observation for 40 minutes.

Lacson said he felt well and did not get any side effects after receiving the jab.

"No one was allowed a shortcut, we underwent interviews, our blood pressures were taken," Lacson said.

He was also told by medical staff who administered the vaccine that he may feel sleepy after a while but noted that it was normal and should not be a cause for alarm.

The governor also advised those who have already been vaccinated not to be complacent, as they can still be susceptible to the virus and should exercise caution.