'Be creative': Galvez tells LGUs to secure ancillaries as syringe shortage hampers vaxx program

The national vaccination program against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is facing a new challenge as there is now a global shortage of ancillary supplies including syringes.

In a statement Friday, Nov. 12, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. advised local government units (LGUs) to “be creative” in securing the much-needed items, particularly the 0.3 milliliter (ml) variety of syringes used specifically for Pfizer vaccine, to ensure an unhampered rollout of the vaccination program in the communities.

“Very acute and limited ang supply nito ngayon globally. Kaya noon pa man ay sinabihan na natin ang mga LGU na maghanda at bumili ng mga syringes (There is a very acute and limited supply of syringe globally. That’s why we have told the LGUs before to prepare and buy syringes),” he said.

The Department of Health (DOH) has procured 44 million units of 0.3 ml syringes through the UNICEF but the delivery has been delayed due to supply shortage in the global market, according to National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) chair DOH Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje.

She, however, said that there were about 5.9 million syringes which are compatible with most vaccine brands and are available in the government’s warehouses.

Galvez reiterated that it is the responsibility of LGUs to provide the ancillary supplies in the ongoing immunization program.

“Sa amin po ang bakuna, ang administration ay sa LGU. Kaya dapat magkaroon sila ng creative ways on how to produce these ancillary supplies (The provides the vaccine, the administration is on the LGU. That’s why they should think of creative ways on how to produce these ancillary supplies),” he noted.

The vaccine czar emphasized that LGUs should also have an adequate supply of cottons and alcohol for their vaccination drive.