Covid-19 bivalent vaccine stocks for priority groups running low, says DOH

While individuals belonging to priority groups may still get their Covid-19 bivalent vaccine shots, the Department of Health (DOH) said that the available supply or stocks in many areas of the country may now be very “limited.”

Health Undersecretary Dr. Enrique Tayag, in a media forum on Tuesday, Sept. 5, said the use of the bivalent Covid-19 vaccine in the Philippines remained limited to specific priority groups.

He noted that those who received their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd booster doses, Tayag said, are being currently monitored by the DOH.

“Kaya lang ‘yung hahabol ay mukhang mahuhuli na sapagkat paubos na po ‘yung stock natin kasalukuyan ‘yung sa bivalent Covid-19 vaccine (However, it appears that those who have not yet been vaccinated may now be late, as our current stock of the bivalent Covid-19 vaccine is running low),” Tayag said.

As per DOH, only those belonging to priority groups including frontline workers, senior citizens, and individuals who are immunocompromised, such as those undergoing cancer treatment or living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are eligible to receive the Covid-19 bivalent vaccine.

Donated vaccines fully consumed

Tayag also provided insights into the utilization of the bivalent Covid-19 vaccine in the Philippines, emphasizing the existing limitations that target specific priority groups.

He explained the supply of the bivalent Covid-19 vaccine, donated by Lithuania, has been fully consumed.

However, Tayag added that there has not been any official statement about the possibility of receiving additional vaccine donations before the end of the year or in the early months of 2024.

“The vaccination campaign is ongoing, aligning with recommendations not only from the World Health Organization (WHO) but also in accordance with our domestic guidelines,” Tayag said.

He noted that even before certain restrictions were lifted, the Philippines had accepted the donation of the bivalent Covid-19 vaccine.

During the initial phase of the rollout, Tayag noted that a substantial portion of the Lithuania-donated vaccine had already been distributed.

Despite this, Tayag reassured the public that monitoring efforts will continue to ensure that those eligible for first, second, or third booster shots are accounted for.

Meanwhile, Tayag disclosed that the available stock of this crucial vaccine has been fully distributed.

Given this, Tayag said individuals who have not yet received their vaccinations may experience delays as the current stock of the bivalent Covid-19 vaccine is decreasing.

He also emphasized that, due to the limited supply and priority groups, there is currently no recommendation for the general population to receive the bivalent Covid-19 vaccine at this time.

The focus remained on prioritizing those most vulnerable to the virus within the Philippines. (Zekinah Elize Espina)