Cebu City reports zero COVID-19 vaccine wastage during Odette

Cebu City Health Department (CCHD) reported zero wastage of COVID-19 vaccine doses during Typhoon Odette, thanks to preemptive measures like generator sets to maintain the cold chain.

CCHD head Dr. Jeffrey Ibones stated that no vaccine brands expired despite the challenges brought by the typhoon.

Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. previously stated that overall vaccine wastage due to the typhoon was negligible, with only 4,120 doses confirmed damaged.

Galvez mentioned that the final count of wasted vaccines might slightly increase as more data is awaited from Tandag City in Surigao del Sur.

Despite prolonged power outages in many typhoon-hit regions, including Cebu, vaccination drives in affected areas have resumed.

Galvez attributed the low wastage rate to the combined efforts of local government units, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine Army, and the Philippine National Police.

An increase in vaccine site attendance, mostly for second doses, was noted in Cebu City.