The Department of Health (DOH) refuted on Monday, Sept. 5, claims that they are distributing expired COVID-19 booster vaccines.
DOH Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergire said manufacturers have extended the shelf life of COVID-19 vaccines that are about to expire, which means that they are still safe and effective.
“When manufacturers extended the shelf life of vaccines, ito po ay dumadaan sa masusing pag-aaral, we call this stability study So ginawa po yan sa mga bakunang ni-request natin at ito po ay nakapag-extend tayo ng shelf life,” Vergeire added.“So whatever we are distributing now sa ating mga communities, these are vaccines within expiry date.”
Vergeire also said that the DOH is continuously preparing for the Special Vaccination Week from Sept. 26 to 30 where they will prioritize areas in the country that have low vaccination rates.
She added that they are targeting to vaccinate five to 21 million individuals.
“Ito po’ng ating special week of vaccination will be done simultaneously nationwide. Lahat ng region ng local governments so as early as now, we are mobilizing our regional offices and our local government para matulungan tayo dito,” Vergeire said.
According to the DOH, more than 2.2 million or 24% of the 23 million target population have received the first booster shots. —Report from Ryan Lesigues/KC – gb
