PH to donate expiring Covid-19 jabs to countries with low supply

MANILA – The government will donate Covid-19 vaccines nearing expiry to countries with low vaccination coverage, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Thursday.

In a televised public briefing, Duque said they are considering to donate the life-saving vaccines to Cambodia, Myanmar, and other countries in Africa.

“Maganda naman iyang layunin na iyan para makatulong din tayo sa mga kapatid natin mula sa mga ibang bansa na namamayagpag pa rin ang Covid-19 pero ang supply ng bakuna ay kulang na kulang (That’s a good cause so we can help people in countries where Covid-19 cases are high and lack vaccine supply),” he added.

However, the National Vaccination Operation Center is still identifying the amount and which doses to donate.

Duque confirmed that pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca approved the shelf life extension of its Covid-19 jabs.

“Pero ang FDA [Food and Drug Administration] na lamang ang inaantay natin para maaprubahan iyong extension ng (We’re just waiting for the FDA to approve the extension of) shelf life by three months,” he said.

The Philippines has vaccinated over 70 percent of its target population against the coronavirus. To increase these numbers, the national government holds the fourth national vaccination drive from March 10 to 12 with the target to inoculate 1.8 million persons.

Its coverage is focused on the A2 population or the senior citizens and areas with low vaccination rate — Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Central Visayas, Soccsksargen, and Bicol Region.