Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 22) — The Department of Health (DOH) urged local government units and the private sector to check the demand for vaccines in their respective jurisdictions to avoid wastage.
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“Siguro mas magiging efficient tayo kung yung mga gusto bumili, whether local government or private sector, alam na nila kung ano lang yung in demand sa kanilang lugar,” DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said.
[Translation: I think we can be more efficient if those who want to buy, whether it’s the local government or the private sector, know what is the demand in their areas.]
“Pag bibili tayo [ng vaccines], konti-konti lang at this time to provide our vulnerable population. Pag nakita natin na mataas na yung demand, saka na tayo bibili ng second batch,” she added.
[Translation: We should buy just enough vaccines to provide our vulnerable population. When we see that the demand is high, then we’ll buy a second batch.]
Vergeire also announced that there will be a nationwide vaccination drive for children ages five to 11, and those who will receive their first booster shots.
“We are further engaging our stakeholders, and continuous collaborations sa mga malalaking sector groups (with big sector groups),” she said.
CNN Philippines Correspondent AC Nicolls contributed to this report.
