COVID-19 vaccines not for sale, DOH reiterates after 3 alleged sellers nabbed

The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public on Friday that COVID-19 vaccines are not for sale after three alleged sellers of Sinovac doses were nabbed.

The National Bureau of Investigation earlier arrested three of four suspects said to be involved in the sale of COVID-19 vaccines. 

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said she was “sad” to hear of the incident.

“Bakit kailangan magkaroon ng ganitong pagkakataon na (Why did we need to reach a point like this where) people are taking advantage of what we have right now?” she said in a briefing.

Vergeire urged the public to only get a COVID-19 vaccine through the government and not through other channels.

“‘Wag po kayong bibili sa ibang mga tao dahil wala po silang pagkukunan ng bakunang ‘yan (Don’t buy from other people because they can’t access vaccines) because it is just national government which can access these vaccines for now,” she explained.

“Kahit isang dose lang po ng bakuna ang nasasayang dahil sa mga ganitong pamamalakad ay napaka importante na po para sa atin (Even a single dose lost through these means is already a big deal to us),” she added.

The arrested individuals will face charges for violation of the Food and Drug Administration Act.

A supposed COVID-19 vaccine selling scheme also came to light in May when an alleged seller surrendered and denied speculations circulating on social media. 

The Philippines has so far received over 17 million doses, with 7.5 million individuals vaccinated as of June 27. — RSJ, GMA News