Malacañang warns of losing 44M vaccine doses if priority list not followed

Malacañang warned that the Philippines could lose 44 million free COVID-19 vaccine doses from the COVAX facility if the priority list for vaccination is not strictly followed.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque emphasized that bypassing the priority list, which designates healthcare workers first, is incorrect and would jeopardize the vaccine supply.

Roque specifically appealed to mayors, stating that continued skipping of the vaccination line could lead to the loss of 44 million COVAX doses.

The COVAX facility, managed by the WHO, aims to provide equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for lower-income countries.

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the Department of Health to investigate individuals who jumped the vaccination line.

The Philippines has received 525,600 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines from the WHO-led COVAX Facility.