Vaccine czar apologizes for delay in vaccine arrival

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. apologized to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Benhur Abalos Jr. for the delay in the arrival of vaccines.

Galvez and Abalos were inspecting Pateros' preparedness for the impending vaccination, with the first batch of vaccines from Pfizer under COVAX facility expected but now uncertain due to ongoing negotiations.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said vaccine makers are insisting on an indemnity agreement because of the Dengvaxia controversy.

WHO representative Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe stated that delivery will happen two weeks after signing the indemnification agreement with Pfizer-BioNTech, which is yet to be finalized by both parties.

Galvez noted manufacturers' reluctance to supply vaccines without a national indemnification law due to concerns over potential adverse effects and legal liabilities.