Private sector's first AstraZeneca vaccine batch arrives in PH

Over 1.15 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, purchased by the private sector, arrived in the Philippines on Friday, July 16, 2021.

This marks the first batch of AstraZeneca vaccines procured by the private sector through the 'A Dose of Hope' initiative, with a second batch of approximately 1.17 million doses expected in mid-August.

Close to 500 private companies purchased these vaccines, and the decision on whether some will be donated to local government units rests with the companies.

The newly arrived vaccines will be rolled out within the next four days.

This delivery brings the total number of AstraZeneca doses received by the Philippines to 6,858,900, comprising those from the COVAX Facility, donations from the Japanese government, and private sector procurement.

The private sector's involvement, through a tripartite agreement involving over 330 companies, the Philippine government, and AstraZeneca, has significantly aided the government's vaccine procurement efforts.