Palace assures gov’t can fund cold storehouse for COVID-19 vaccines

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Tuesday assured that the government has funds to provide the cold storage needed to keep COVID-19 vaccines.

During an online briefing, Food and Drug Administration Director-General Eric Domingo cautioned that the vaccine’s efficacy could be affected if not stored within its prescribed temperature.

When asked if the government can afford to procure cold warehouses, where the COVID-19 vaccines are required to be stored once available in the country, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said: “Yes, may pera naman po ang gobyerno.”

(Yes, the government has the money for that.)

Domingo explained that a vaccine is so sensitive, unlike medicine, or a tablet that can be transported easily.

“Ang bakuna po, napaka-sensitive niyan, ‘di parang gamot o tableta na maaaring i-transport basta-basta lang,” he said.

“Every time nagkakaroon tayo ng break sa (there is a break in the) cold chain, you might lose the efficacy of the vaccine. Kaya (So) it’s very important po talaga na naka set up na ito (that this facility is already set up),” he added.

The Department of Health earlier said it is eyeing to equip each region of the country with a cold depot as part of preparations for the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines.

KGA