PRC deploys mobile COVID-19 vaccination centers in NCR

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Wednesday said it has deployed mobile bus  COVID-19 vaccination centers that seek to reach poor communities or those under the A5 category.

In partnership with UBE Express of the Bert Lina Group of Companies, PRC deployed "bakuna buses" to inoculate poor residents, including fisherfolk and industrial workers, in Mandaluyong, Marikina and Navotas. T

Each bus has a cold chain system, mobile refrigerator and vaccine cabinet to prevent spoilage of COVID-19 vaccine doses.

These buses were also previously used for the immunization of more than one million children against polio and measles-rubella, the PRC said.

In a press conference, Senator Richard Gordon, who is also PRC's chairman, said supplies are still an issue in their vaccination rollout.

"The only problem, kulang ang binibigay na vaccines. Kung ibigay yan mapapadala natin kaagad [We can deploy vaccines immediately but supplies are still limited]," he said.

According to him, recipients must also pre-register before availing vaccination in the buses.

Pre-registration of vaccine recipients will be coordinated with the local government unit concerned.

Bakuna Centers

Aside from its mobile vaccination, PRC also has its own vaccination sites or bakuna centers in various parts of Metro Manila:

• PLMC - Mandaluyong City - 300 vaccinations per day
• Port Area in Manila - 150 vaccinations per day
• Letran University - 150 vaccinations per day
• Kabaka Center in Tondo, Manila - 200 vaccinations per day
• Pasay CA Parking Lot - Aurora Boulevard, Pasay - 200 vaccinations per day
• Arcovia Mall - Pasig City - 400 per day
• San Lorenzo Mall - Magallanes, Makati - 400 per day

Bakuna centers will also have a dry run on July 1, 2021 in the following areas:

• City Walk Mall, Tarlac City - 200 per day
• JTC Mall, Vigan Ilocos Sur - 100 per day
• SM Bacoor, Bacoor Cavite - 500 per day

Gordon earlier said they are also eyeing to open "bakuna centers" in provinces in Luzon, Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Zamboanga City and Davao City. —KBK, GMA News