Metro Manila cities halt Sinovac 2nd dose jabs due to shortage

Several cities in Metro Manila, including Caloocan, Las Piñas, Malabon, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Taguig, and Valenzuela, have temporarily suspended their second-dose Sinovac vaccinations due to a shortage in vaccine supply.

Caloocan's city government announced that individuals scheduled for their second Sinovac dose starting July 14 will need to wait until further notice.

The city of Las Piñas also issued a similar advisory, citing the same reason for the suspension.

The Las Piñas City government has also temporarily suspended the second dose vaccination for Sputnik V due to limited supply.

The city government continues to administer the second dose of other brands of vaccines such as AstraZeneca and Pfizer.

Mayor Edwin Olivarez assured Parañaque residents that their second dose of Sinovac can be delayed from three to six months according to experts from the National Vaccination Center.

The DOH has previously stated that first-dose recipients of the Sinovac vaccine can receive their second dose within a six-month interval, and the city health office noted this can be delayed from 3 to 6 months.