The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) approved the Philippine National Vaccination Program and Implementation Plan as confirmed by Presidential and IATF-EID Spokesperson Harry Roque.
The COVID-19 Immunization Program Management Organizational Structure was abolished. This led to the restructuring of the organization of the vaccination program and establishment of the vaccine cluster led by Vaccine Czar and National Task Force against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez.
As Vaccine Czar, the responsibility of Sec. Galvez is to coordinate with different agencies that are part of the evaluation and distribution of the vaccines. He will lead the price negotiation, early registration of the vaccine with the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), coordination with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Congress for the budget needed for the purchase of the vaccine, and the procurement and distribution of the vaccine.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte stated in his talk to the nation address that people who belong to low income households will be the first to receive the vaccine. Sec. Roque also pointed out that frontliners, police, and army will also be vaccinated aside from the 4Ps beneficiaries.
The Universal Healthcare Law mandates of the government to give vaccine to all Filipinos including those who can afford it. However, the Palace is not discouraging individuals who can afford to purchase the vaccine earlier as long as it is registered with the FDA.
Sec. Roque ensured that the Philippines will look for the best COVID-19 vaccine and that the government has enough funds to purchase. The plan for distribution has been laid out for next year.
Meanwhile, the IATF-EID also ratified the Joint Memorandum Circular of the Department of Health (DOH), Civil Service Commission (CSC), the Operational Guidelines of the COVID-19 and Other Emerging Infectious Disease Response in Public Sector Workplaces. – Report from Naomi Tiburcio
