Some vaccination sites were forced to stop their vaccinations first due to a pending supply of vaccine doses and corresponding paperwork from the national government.
In Las Piñas City, 18 COVID-19 vaccination sites in the city were closed this Tuesday because no Certificate of Analysis arrived on their remaining supply of vaccines made by Sinovac.
There is also no schedule for the 2nd dose of vaccination.
“All the other vaccines kasi naubos na namin. Mayroong bakuna na dumating, but hindi namin magagamit without that certificate. Ang issue namin with the vaccination program is ‘yung on-and-off supply,” and Dr. Juliana Gonzales, technical officer of the city health office.
The vaccination of the first and second doses using the Sinovac vaccine has also been temporarily suspended in Taguig City.
But on Tuesday afternoon, it was announced that vaccination sites would be opened for recipients of their second dose of the vaccine.
On the other hand, the Department of Health ensured that there was no problem even if the second dose of vaccination was slightly delayed.
Some vaccination sites closed due to pending paperwork, supplies
“Ang ating recommended interval for Sinovac ay 28 days. But it doesn’t mean that if you missed your second dose on the 28th day mismo ay hindi na ito magiging epektibo. Ayon sa ating vaccine expert panel, you can have your second dose about 3 to 6 months after. ‘Yun ang leeway na tinitingnan natin na magiging epektibo pa rin ang bakuna, pero ‘wag niyo naman patatagalin,” said DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.
The COA is scheduled to arrive from the manufacturer for the Sinovac vaccines, which have already been deployed in the LGUs on Monday, this Tuesday, and Wednesday.
According to the National Task Force Against COVID-19, 13 million COVID-19 vaccine doses are expected to arrive in the country.
According to another member of the vaccine expert panel, the supply issue is the reason why the government’s COVID-19 vaccination target has been changed.
About 13 million COVID-19 vaccine doses are also expected to arrive in August, according to the National Task Force Against COVID-19.
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