Supply problem prevented SC from securing AstraZeneca vaccine doses — spokesman

Supply issues have prevented the Supreme Court (SC) from securing doses of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by British-Swedish pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca, the court’s spokesman Brian Keith Hosaka said Wednesday.

Hosaka said the office of vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. informed the SC about the development.

“The initial request for the judiciary was for the AstraZeneca brand, but upon advice of its unavailability by the office of Secretary Galvez, the judiciary will have to consider other options,” he said.

AstraZeneca’s vaccine has an efficacy of 63% against symptomatic COVID-19 infection and can be stored at normal fridge temperatures.

The Philippines is expected to receive 487,200 doses of the vaccine on Thursday with frontline health workers as priority recipients.

“Hopefully, the judiciary will be able to procure vaccines at the soonest possible time considering the crucial role which the courts play in times of crisis. Our judges and court personnel have direct contact with the public on a daily basis and Chief Justice [Diosdado] Peralta would want them fully protected from [COVID-19],” Hosaka said.

The SC has earmarked P19 million for the purchase of vaccines for the entire judiciary, which is made up of over 30,000 justices, judges, officials, and employees. — RSJ, GMA News