DOH: 5-percent wastage of total Covid-19 vaccines still acceptable

DOH Undersecretary and spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — A five-percent wastage of Covid-19 vaccines—either due to problems on storage and distribution, or recipients suddenly backing out or having medical concerns—is acceptable, the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday.

According to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, the DOH considers a possible five-percent wastage when procuring vaccines.

“Meron po tayong tinatala na ang acceptable po ay mga 5 percent. Ini-estimate na po namin ‘yan kapag kumukuha tayo ng numero o estimated number na kailangan natin na bakuna,” she said during the Laging Handa public briefing when asked about the estimated percentage of wastage for Covid-19 vaccine shots.

(We estimate that a five-percent wastage of vaccines is acceptable. We consider that estimate when we indicate the number of vaccines we need for mass inoculation.)

“Pero kailangan (But), we have to keep it as minimum as possible because every dose will count because these Covid vaccines are needed badly by all of us Filipinos,” she added.

Vergeire explained that vaccine wastage may happen if a person listed as a beneficiary of vaccination suddenly backs out, or when those eligible to receive the inoculation shots could not have it due to medical conditions that may arise on the day of vaccination.

The vaccines may end up being wasted if no one would replace such beneficiaries, according to Vergeire.

On the other hand, she said vaccines may also be wasted due to improper storage or injection.

To avoid this scenario, Vergeire said facilities and equipment for the vaccination should be sufficiently readied for the inoculation program.

“We can be able to store the vaccines properly and prepare it properly. Kailangan ready ‘yung distribution kits natin para hindi masisira ang bakuna sakaling sa distribution phase masira,” she said.

(We can be able to store the vaccines properly and prepare it properly. The distribution kits should also be made ready so that the vaccines will not be damaged in the distribution phase.)

“Kailangan din po may ready tayo ng alternative recipients kung sakaling during that day of vaccination meron po tayong marereject because of medical conditions or merong hindi dumating sa appointment na ‘yun, [para] meron po tayong handang ipalit agad para hindi masayang ang bakuna,” added Vergeire.

(We should also prepare alternative recipients to replace some beneficiaries who suddenly could not receive the vaccines because of medical conditions, or don’t show up on the day of vaccination, so that there won’t be any wasted vaccine.)

JPV

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