DOH has funds for new COVID-19 variants and updated vaccines

The Department of Health (DOH) assured lawmakers on Wednesday that it has sufficient funds to prepare for emerging COVID-19 variants, including procuring updated vaccine doses.

During an oversight meeting with the House Committee on Appropriations, DOH Undersecretary Achilles Gerard Bravo confirmed that the agency can allocate resources from existing budgets and surplus funds to address new variants like 'FLiRT'.

The DOH is pooling its unused funds and modifying appropriations to purchase sufficient volumes of new vaccines to combat emerging variants.

House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin emphasized the importance of vaccination for both the new variant and other common diseases, while DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo noted that the agency is still studying the Kp2 and Kp3 variants.

The DOH continues to monitor bed occupancy and remains ready to address any health emergencies related to new variants, with all Philippine regions currently at low risk from the virus.