Philippines eyes early 2021 vaccine supply through diplomatic ties

The Philippine government is strengthening diplomatic ties to secure the immediate procurement of COVID-19 vaccines once they become available.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. stated that the best-case scenario for vaccine rollout in the Philippines is by the second quarter of 2021, but realistically, a significant supply may arrive late 2021 or early 2022 due to rich countries securing most vaccines in advance.

Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez said talks with US pharmaceutical firms like Pfizer and Moderna are progressing, suggesting the Philippines could receive an initial vaccine supply by the first quarter of 2021.