DOH: Donated bivalent vaccines to arrive in PH by March

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 31) — One million doses of donated bivalent vaccines are expected to arrive in the country by the end of March, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Tuesday.

In a media forum, DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said the donation is part of the commitment of COVAX to give bivalent vaccines to the Philippines.

“Last week, we finalized the commitment of COVAX to donate bivalent vaccines in the country. Kapag nag push through talaga [If this pushes through], hopefully, by the end of March, we expect the initial doses to arrive,” Vergeire said.

Vergeire also said DOH is currently confirming the commitment of other countries in donating bivalent vaccines.

She added that one country has already confirmed its commitment and the delivery date is being finalized.

“This country will also be the one providing us additional doses of bivalent vaccines [but] we cannot disclose [the name] yet hanggang sa hindi pa final yung negosasiyon at pag-uusap,” Vergeire said.

“Kasi baka magkaroon tayong issue in terms of the country donating. Kapag napirmahan na natin yung agreement, we will be informing everybody,” she added.

[Translation: Because there might be an issue regarding the country donating. Once the agreement is signed, we will be informing everybody.]