1M jabs in 4 days raise PH total to 11 million

MANILA – The Philippines has administered 1 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines in just four days, bringing the country’s total utilized vaccines to 11,016,198 doses as of July 1.

National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Secretary Vince Dizon said the data covered the period June 28 to July 1.

“Ito po ang pinakamabilis na na-jab natin simula nung tayo po ay nag-launch ng ating vaccination program noong Marso (This is the fastest vaccination we have had since we launched our vaccination program in March),” Dizon said at the Laging Handa press briefing on Friday.

On Monday, the government highlighted the Philippines’ milestone in its vaccination program with the ceremonial vaccination of the 10 millionth dose in Valenzuela City.

Dizon said more vaccine supply will mean more people will get vaccinated in the coming weeks, adding that jabs confidence increased despite limited supply.

“Ang totoo po ngayon, hirap pa rin tayo sa supply pero ang kinagandahan nito ay marami na po sa ating mga kababayan ang gusto nang makatanggap ng kanilang bakuna (The truth is that we are still struggling with the supply, but the good thing is many of our countrymen already want to be vaccinated),” he said.

Dizon appealed for patience from local chief executives as the national government cannot deploy larger volumes of Covid-19 jabs.

However, over 10 million doses are expected within the month that will definitely increase the supply nationwide and help achieve the target of 500,000 doses daily.

The current daily vaccination rate is at least 250,000 doses to as many as 350,000 doses.

“Kapag dumating na po ang maraming doses na padating ngayong July ay maabot na po natin ang ating target (Once the bulk of vaccine doses will arrive this July, we can reach our target),” he said.

The vaccines ordered by local government units and the private sector are among those arriving this month, Dizon said.

“‘Pag pinagsama-sama po natin ito at sabay-sabay tayong nagbakuna eh kampante po tayo na aabot tayo sa ating target bago matapos ang taon (If we put this together and vaccinate at the same time, we are confident that we will reach our target of population protection before the end of the year),” he said.