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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOH eyes pharmacists, midwives as COVID-19 vaccinators

DOH eyes pharmacists, midwives as COVID-19 vaccinators

Published Jan 20, 2021 03:21 pm

The Department of Health (DOH) is eyeing to allow pharmacists and midwives as vaccinators for the government's COVID-19 vaccination program.

Health Assistant Secretary Maria Rosario S. Vergeire
Health Assistant Secretary Maria Rosario S. Vergeire
(PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN)

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that they are currently studying this recommendation. She said that they are set to conduct a meeting with the different groups of pharmacists and midwives in the country.

Vergeire said that pharmacists need to complete a training program and obtain a certification before they can be allowed to administer a vaccine.

"Maari naman silang magbigay nitong mga bakuna na ito with specific conditions, katulad nung sa pharmacists kailangan trained and certified by the DOH ," said Vergeire.

"So nakikipag-ugnayan po tayo ngayon sa Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) para kung paano natin maisasagawa yung magkakaroon tayo ng accredited/ certification process para dito sa mga pharmacists na pwede nating i-train at makasama natin dito sa pagbabakuna ," she said.

Vergeire said they are eyeing to seek the help of all available midwives for the COVID-19 vaccination program.

“We know there are a lot of them across the country owning their birthing facilities and those working in private hospitals,” she said.

“We just need to coordinate with them because we would want, of course, that’s not just the public midwives but also the private midwives who can help us,” she added.

Meanwhile, teachers may also be involved in the COVID-19 vaccination program but not as vaccinators.

“Hindi sila magtuturok. Kung sakaling hihingin natin ang kanilang tulong, sila ay makakasama sa mobilization teams natin for information dissemination (or) for mobilizing and engaging the community ,” she said.

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