PH eyes 2 million bivalent vaccine doses from WHO Covax

The Philippines is negotiating with the WHO's Covax facility for approximately 2 million doses of bivalent COVID-19 vaccines.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa confirmed that these vaccines will be facilitated through Covax, not directly procured by the national government.

The DOH is awaiting approval of allocation by Covax following the submission of requisite documents and legal requirements, as this is the first time the country will receive vaccines from Covax since RA 11525 ceased.

The country has officially launched its bivalent vaccination program, with an initial rollout targeting healthcare workers and the elderly population.

The government of Lithuania donated 390,000 bivalent vaccine doses that will be used for the program.

Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines are designed to specifically target the Omicron variant and its subvariants.