Philippines to start vaccinating health workers mid-Feb

Health workers in COVID-19 referral hospitals will receive the first batch of vaccines, with Pfizer's doses arriving mid-February under COVAX and AstraZeneca's expected by late February or early March.

Galvez stated that initial distributions will focus on areas equipped with ultra-cold storage facilities for Pfizer’s vaccine, primarily in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao.

The government aims to roll out Novavax and AstraZeneca vaccines in the second quarter of 2021 as negotiations are ongoing.

WHO confirmed that 117,000 doses of Pfizer's vaccine will arrive by mid-February, while AstraZeneca’s delivery is contingent on WHO emergency use approval expected within two to three weeks.