DOH reports improved uptake of COVID-19 vaccines

The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday said hospitals improved their uptake of coronavirus vaccines after Health Secretary Francisco Duque III warned that stocks unused by March 24 would be transferred to COVID-19 hotspots.

“This is an observed improvement in performance of our vaccination sites: from reported 48% consumption of allocated first dose of vaccines as of 6 p.m. March 21 to 62% as of 6 p.m. March 23—a span of two days,” the DOH told reporters.

Earlier this week, the DOH said vaccines unused by March 24 would be transferred

The plan to transport vaccines from one province to another was opposed by local governments and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., who pointed out possible logistical bottlenecks. 

“Given the need to cover as many healthcare workers as possible, the extension of the said deadline is currently being deliberated,” the DOH said.

“We will exhaust all efforts to ensure all willing healthcare workers are vaccinated before we proceed to the next priority groups,” it added.

The vaccination program recently drew controversy after several mayors and a celebrity got inoculated ahead of health workers, the government’s top priority. 

The DOH has urged the public to report individuals jumping the line for vaccination, warning that it could cost the country a supply of vaccines from the COVAX Facility. 

Over 500,000 individuals have gotten their first dose as of March 23.  —LDF, GMA News