The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) is set to include in its Thursday meeting agenda the improvements for vaccine rollout.
According to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, the IATF-EID is prepared to implement more policies for the seamless implementation of the government’s national vaccination program amid the upcoming arrival of vaccines.
Among the improvements seen in the recent simulation exercise for the arrival of vaccines is the shortening of transport duration.
Nograles clarified they have not received any request to announce a holiday for the vaccine rollout, although they are waiting for “recommendations and proposals” from the vaccine cluster.
“Kaya nga po ginagawa ‘yung simulation exercises para malaman ‘yung mga gaps if any, areas of improvement (That is why the simulation exercises are being conducted to determine gaps if there are any, areas of improvement),” he pointed out.
Members of the IATF-EID have also expressed readiness to monitor hospitals on the actual rollout of vaccines to lend support needed by the vaccine cluster and even to receive the first vaccine shots.
In a separate statement, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion relayed the private sector, especially economic frontliners, is in full swing regarding vaccine rollout.
“Nakaplano na lahat ‘yan (It’s all planned out), all the way to the execution. We’re also offering our company facilities. May mga gym kami, may mga areas of space kami (We have gyms and areas of space) where we can vaccinate all of our employees,” Concepcion shared.
Meanwhile, a technical group is already studying the request of some sectors to be included in the vaccination priority list, such as athletes and coaches set to participate in international competitions and the Philippine Retailers Association.
– Report from Mela Lesmoras
