Pharmacies will soon be used as COVID-19 vaccination sites starting with an initial rollout on Jan. 21, the country's immunization czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said Monday in a bid to get more Filipinos vaccinated.
The pilot run will cover seven pharmacies and private clinics in Metro Manila that will serve as vaccination sites for booster shots only, Galvez said.
"The rollout will start first at pilot areas in NCR then expand to other cities and lastly to other regions based on the readiness and safety inspections," Galvez told President Rodrigo Duterte in a late-night meeting.
Workers in essential industries or those part of the A4 priority group will be prioritized during the pilot run in pharmacies and private clinics, Galvez said.
"This is our way forward to hand over the responsibility of the vaccination from the national government-centered to its complete devolution to the LGUs and the private sector in the preparation for the future commercialization of the vaccine," Galvez said.
The following pharmacies and private clinics will be utilized as COVID-19 vaccination sites for the pilot run based on Galvez's presentation:
- Mercury Drug
- Watsons
- The Generics Pharmacy
- Generic Drugstore
- Southstar Drug
- Qualimed
- HealthWay
As of Monday, the Philippines has administered 5.13 million booster doses to fully vaccinated individuals.
MORE ON BOOSTER SHOTS:
Can You Get a Booster Shot While COVID Positive?
GUIDE: When to Get Your Booster Shot If You Have COVID Symptoms
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