PRC opens first Bulacan Bakuna Center, expands to Mindanao

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has established its first accredited "Bakuna Center" outside of Metro Manila in Bulacan, aiming to expand vaccination efforts across the country.

The PRC Bulacan Chapter received accreditation from the Department of Health (DOH) in June, marking a significant step in decentralizing vaccination services.

The Malolos City facility, located at the Valencia Hall of Bulacan State University, began operations on July 1, inoculating individuals from priority groups A1 to A3.

As of July 13, the Bulacan Bakuna Center has administered 160 doses of Sinovac vaccines, supplied by the local government unit.

The PRC also opened its first Bakuna Center in Mindanao on Wednesday at the Lanao Chung Hua School via the PRC Iligan Chapter.

This Mindanao Bakuna Center vaccinated 244 individuals during its first day of operations and plans to vaccinate 694 individuals from the A3 and A4 priority groups this week.

Red Cross staff and volunteers plan to administer privately procured 1,390 doses of the Sinovac vaccine in the coming weeks at the Mindanao facility.

PRC Chairman and CEO Senator Richard Gordon stated that the Red Cross aims to vaccinate as many Filipinos as possible, noting lower vaccine hesitancy.

The PRC has vaccinated more than 28,000 individuals as of July 13, 2021, and plans to establish more Bakuna Centers in other Mindanao cities.