The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) warned the public to be wary of fake COVID-19 Pfizer vaccines, which are known to be sold abroad.
According to a May 3 advisory from DILG Secretary Eduardo Año, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a global media advisory about fake vaccines being sold in Mexico and Poland. The discovered fake vaccine bears the lot number 78201 and an expiry date of August 24.
“While there is no information yet on the presence of the fake vaccines in the country, LGUs should exercise increased diligence as these fake vaccines may be dangerous to the health of those who get inoculated,” Año said.
He ordered local government units (LGUs) to ensure that they are only transacting with authorized vaccine suppliers.
The DILG Secretary also directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to remain alert on the issue of fake COVID-19 vaccines.
“Inatasan ko na ang PNP na tutukan ang isyu tungkol sa pekeng bakuna para walang mapahamak sa paggamit nito,” he said.
Año also asked the public to immediately report any information on the presence or use of fake vaccines in the country to the National Task Force Vaccine Cluster, via email at c19vaccineopcen@gmail.com or mobile number +639178237310.
DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya also said on Monday (May 3) that no fake vaccines have so far been reported in the country. (PTV News)/NGS-jlo
