DOH urges employers to rethink 'no vaccine, no work' policy amid supply shortage

The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday urged employers to reconsider plans to implement a “no vaccine, no work” policy due to a global vaccine supply shortage.

Interviewed on “Unang Balita,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire pointed out that the country only has a limited supply of vaccines at present.

“Kung marami po ang bakuna, siguro po ‘yan ang magiging ideal na patakaran. Pero sa ngayon po hindi pa po natin alam kung sino ang puwede magpabakuna dahil sa kakulangan ng supply,” she said.

As early as 2020, some workers had already expressed concern over their employers’ warning that a “no vaccine, no work” policy would be put in place. 

“Dapat po siguro pag-isipan po ‘yan ng mga may-ari ng kumpanya dahil ito po ay magiging inequitable at maaaring ito ay magkaroon ng epekto lalong lalo na doon sa mga mahihirap natin na workers,” Vergeire said.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez likewise said employers cannot force their workers to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

The Philippines launched its vaccination program on Monday with the rollout of 600,000 Sinovac jabs for health workers.  —KBK, GMA News