Filipino-British nurse honored

MANILA, Philippines — May Richell Cestina-Parsons, the Filipino-British nurse who administered the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine, received a presidential citation in Malacañang.

The presidential citation recognizes Parsons for “bringing honor and prestige to the Philippines” by being the first nurse in the world to administer the vaccine outside of clinical trials.

Parsons, a nursing graduate of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, flew to the United Kingdom to work for the National Health Service (NHS) in 2003.

During her UST visit in August last year, Parsons called on the government to give health care workers the benefits they deserve.

She also highlighted the importance of fighting false information about COVID-19 vaccines.

Parsons received the prestigious George Cross award last year on behalf of the NHS for services rendered throughout the pandemic.

She is planning to establish a charity to help disadvantaged Filipino nurses.