PH gets first Pfizer vax shipment through COVAX

The Philippines received its first batch of 193,050 Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine doses on Monday night through the WHO-led COVAX Facility.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque expressed optimism that Filipinos may have a 'better Christmas' with more vaccines arriving in the coming months.

The Bureau of Customs cleared the shipment, which was immediately taken to a warehouse in Marikina City.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III stated that these vaccines will be used for priority sectors including healthcare workers, elderly individuals, and those with comorbidities.

Of the 193,050 doses, 68% or 132,210 are allocated to Metro Manila, while Cebu City and Davao City each receive 15%, or 29,250 doses.