Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 22) — The Department of Health is not yet keen on running 24/7 vaccinations as it is banking on the private sector to open mass vaccination centers.
In a virtual briefing Saturday, Health Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire said the proposal of House Deputy Speaker and 1-Pacman Party-list Rep. Mikee Romero for COVID-19 vaccination sites to have non-stop operations is “not yet a priority.”
In a statement on Friday, Romero urged Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. to consider the proposal as this could boost the Philippines’ goal of reaching herd immunity.
He added putting up 24/7 vaccination centers could also “address the problem of overcrowding and help ensure the strict observance of health and safety protocols.”
Vergeire, however, said: “Our priority now is our partnership with the private sector kung saan magbubukas sila nang malalaking vaccination sites [where they will open large-scale vaccination sites].”
Aside from establishing mass vaccination centers, the private sector is already gearing up to deploy its own healthcare workers to assist in the country’s immunization program.
But Vergeire said the DOH may consider Romero’s suggestion once the government receives the bulk of its procured coronavirus vaccines.
READ: TIMELINE: COVID-19 vaccine deliveries and rollout in the Philippines
The Philippine government is hoping to vaccinate up to 70 million Filipinos by the end of 2021.
