Metro Manila cities suspend first-dose vaccinations due to supply shortage

Several Philippine cities in Metro Manila have halted or adjusted their first-dose vaccination programs due to a shortage of supplies from the national government.

Makati City has temporarily halted the scheduled vaccination for economic frontline workers on Tuesday, while Paranaque, Caloocan, and Valenzuela cities are also suspending first-dose vaccinations as they await additional vaccine supplies.

Malabon and Muntinlupa have stopped accepting walk-in clients 'due to limited vaccine supply,' with inoculation hubs in both cities accommodating only individuals with confirmed appointments.

Metro Manila's vaccination efforts are crucial for reviving the economy, accounting for about two-thirds of the nation's economic output and over a quarter of its population.

The Department of Health acknowledged that delayed supplies are causing issues for local governments and expects new vaccine deliveries to arrive by mid-July.