The various companies of Shell in the country will embark on a nationwide Covid-19 vaccination program for its employees, key business partners like gasoline station dealer and their immediate family members.
Like many companies in the country, Shell will give premium to the vaccination program of its economic front-iners across the chain of its operations nationwide – including dealers and personnel at its retail networks or mobility stations.
Other than them, the oil firm will also include company retirees, qualified family members and household helpers of their employees in the inoculation program.
Cesar G. Romero, president and CEO of Shell, has stated the firm’s commitment “to make Covid-19 vaccines available to our employees and extended workforce not only for their safety and protection, but also because by extension, we provide a safe environment for customers who access our products and services via our mobility sites, as well as contractors and suppliers who help us operate our facilities and terminals nationwide.”
Shell said it will roll out 42,000 doses of Covovax vaccines, which it purchased from Unilab – and inoculation activities will run from August to November this year.
The company indicated its vaccination program will cover roughly 16,000 forecourt service champions or frontliners serving over 1,100 Shell gasoline stations nationwide.
“This is to enhance the safety of some one million customers that visit Shell mobility sites daily,” the oil firm pointed out.
As noted by Randy del Valle, vice president for retail business of Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation, “the decision to include frontliners is a no-brainer,” with him stressing that these are the personnel who interact with customers daily, and will “need to ensure that it is safe to visit our mobility sites to get fuel or food services for vehicle care and maintenance in the middle of this pandemic.”
To be included in the vaccination program will be Shell’s various companies – namely Pilipinas Shell; Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. (SPEX); Shell Business Operations – Manila; Shell Energy Philippines; Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc.; and Shell Employees Savings and Loan Association.
Dr. Rose Rivera, country health manager of Pilipinas Shell, said “the rollout will comply with the government’s prioritization framework,” with her noting that senior citizens will be classified as A2 and they will be first in line; followed by A3 category or adults with comorbidities; then A4 or frontline personnel in essential sectors.
She reiterated that “family and household members of Shell employees are included in the vaccination program.”