On behalf of the National Task Force Against Covid 19 and the Vaccine Cluster, I would like to thank the Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) of Russia and the Russian Ambassador Marat Pavlov for the delivery of 15,000 Sputnik V vaccines.
Despite the shortage in global supply and the great demand for anti-COVID vaccines, the Russian government is committed to deliver vaccines for our country and help contain the ongoing surge in the national capital region.
As this is the first tranche of the scheduled deliveries from Sputnik V, we are very excited to roll out the initial 15,000 first doses, as we reassess our country’s logistics capability to handle such highly sensitive vaccines with -18 degrees cold chain requirement.
Through this trial phase for Sputnik V, we will not only be able to improve the logistics component our vaccine program, but also prepare the implementing units in receiving and administering this type of vaccine.
As the succeeding batches of Sputnik V vaccines arrive starting this month, we expect that we will be more equipped to roll out the 10 to 20 million doses of Sputnik V vaccines across the country.
The Sputnik V doses that will be arriving this month will provide a major boost to our national immunization program, as we simultaneously immunize priority groups of healthcare workers, senior citizens and people with comorbidities
With these additional doses, we will provide our countrymen with an added layer of protection against the virus, and realize our goal of inoculating 50 to 70 million Filipinos by year-end.
In these difficult times, our stronger bilateral relation with nations such as Russia has enabled us to successfully negotiate with the RDIF and secure the vaccines we need to build up our nation’s vaccine portfolio.
Again, we would like to reiterate to our countrymen that even if we get vaccinated, we must still diligently observe minimum public health standards and community quarantine protocols.
And please remember that the best vaccine is the one in your arm. So please get the shot once it becomes available in your area.
Let us continue to protect ourselves, our family, and our community. Let us work together to beat COVID-19. Thank you.
(Press Release)
