The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday said the country's COVID-19 vaccination program would be affected if the state of calamity is not extended.
In a message to reporters, the DOH said it already submitted recommendations to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. regarding the extension of the state of calamity.
"If the extension will not be approved, we can still continue with the COVID-19 vaccination program using existing doses considering their validity is hinged on their Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs)," it said.
"But, we cannot procure additional doses, including the bivalent vaccines. Also, it is expected that the number of vaccinators will decrease as other cadres such as pharmacists may no longer be tapped, and willingness to vaccinate may decrease as immunity from liability is not guaranteed," it added.
The DOH expressed openness to alternatives to prevent the disruption of the vaccination program like the possible grant of a special authority to purchase.
On Thursday, Marcos said he is still "very, very hesitant to continue the state of calamity, to extend it because again we are not in a state of calamity anymore, technically speaking."
"And that is the wrong mindset to be approaching the New Year with. So we're still trying to find ways to continue to provide the benefits to our medical health workers which is the main issue without the state of calamity."
According to the DOH, it would continue coordinating with Marcos and wait for his decision on the matter.
The Health Department is also in discussion with vaccine manufacturers and COVAX facilities "to secure bivalent vaccines this coming year."
The country's state of calamity is set to expire on December 31, 2022.--AOL, GMA Integrated News
No comments:
Post a Comment