By Alec Go
The government of Cavite has ordered three million doses of COVID-19 vaccines developed by American company Novavax to cover the inoculation of 1.5 million individuals.
Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla announced recently that they are expecting the vaccines to be delivered in July “and not later than December” this year.
“Nasa P1.8 billion ang budget na pinagtulungan ng mga LGU. Kasama na dito ang logistics, storage, delivery, at registration process [The budget is around P1.8 billion though the coordination of LGUs (local government units). This covers logistics, storage, delivery, and the registration process],” Remulla said.
It was clarified that the vaccine is only for individuals aged 18 to 59 years old. The vaccination of senior citizens and the indigent population will remain the priority of the national government.
The official is urging the public to get vaccinated amid unsubstantiated rumors about vaccines.
“During these critical times, the more we need to rely on the medical and scientific process. Getting yourself vaccinated will not bring about the end of the world. Rather, it may finally bring about the end of COVID-19,” Remulla said.
Meanwhile, the national government has announced that two million more doses will arrive in the country this April to vaccinate the priority population that includes health workers, senior citizens, and those with comorbidities.
The doses include 1,500,000 from Sinovac Biotech and 500,000 from Galameya Institute.
Data from Malacanang show that 922,898 vaccines have already been administered.
Vaccine Czar Carlito Galvez Jr. reported on Monday that four supply agreements for vaccines have been closed, while the supply agreement with Johnson and Johnson is being finalized.
